Evaluating Federal Disaster Response and Recovery Efforts

Subject

Date

November 29, 2018

Time

10:00 am

Place

2154 Rayburn HOB

Full Committee on Oversight and Accountability

PURPOSE:

To examine the U.S. government’s response to the 2017 hurricane season, including efforts to aid affected survivors and communities.
To discuss lessons-learned and additional opportunities to improve federal natural disaster-related programs.

BACKGROUND:

In 2017, Hurricanes Harvey, Irma, and Maria struck Texas, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and Florida, resulting in the costliest U.S. hurricane season on record.
According to the National Hurricane Center, three out of the top five most destructive U.S. tropical cyclones occurred in 2017. Collectively, Hurricanes Harvey, Irma, and Maria affected nearly eight percent of the entire U.S. population.
Since the 2017 hurricane season, FEMA released an After-Action Report and has taken steps to implement lessons-learned over the past year.
Last month, Committee Republicans released a staff report finding recurring problems continue to hinder federal disaster response and recovery efforts. The report comes after the Committee’s multi-year investigation of federal programs intended to help communities recover from major natural disasters.