Federal Emergency Mobilization Accountability (FEMA) Workforce Planning Act
Federal Emergency Mobilization Accountability (FEMA) Workforce Planning Act
Plain Language Summary
# FEMA Workforce Planning Act Summary **What the Bill Does** The Federal Emergency Mobilization Accountability (FEMA) Workforce Planning Act would require FEMA to create and update a comprehensive workforce plan every three years. This plan would include performance measures to track staffing levels and training effectiveness, strategies to reduce costs, and a roadmap to fill gaps in critical skills the agency needs. The plan would also address the Surge Capacity Force—a team of federal employees who deploy during major disasters.
Additionally, the Government Accountability Office (GAO, Congress's independent watchdog agency) would review each plan and report back to Congress on whether it meets established standards. **Who It Affects and Current Status** This legislation primarily affects FEMA employees and the agency's operations, though the improvements could indirectly benefit the public by helping FEMA respond more effectively to emergencies. The bill is currently in committee (the first stage of the legislative process) and has not yet been voted on by the full Senate. It was introduced by Senator Gary Peters, a Michigan Democrat, in the 119th Congress.
CRS Official Summary
Federal Emergency Mobilization Accountability (FEMA) Workforce Planning ActThis bill requires the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to develop and submit to Congress every three years a human capital operating plan to shape and improve FEMA’s workforce, and it requires the Government Accountability Office (GAO) to submit a report analyzing the plan.Specifically, the bill lists contents FEMA must include in the plan, such as performance measures to track staffing and training, strategies for increasing cost-efficiency, and a plan of action to address gaps in critical and emerging skills in FEMA’s workforce. The plan must discuss the membership and training of the Surge Capacity Force, through which federal employees deploy in response to a catastrophic disaster. FEMA must submit the first plan within one year after the bill’s enactment and subsequent plans at least once every three years.The bill also requires GAO to submit a report analyzing whether FEMA’s plan meets the requirements of the bill, including any recommendations to ensure subsequent plans meet the requirements.
Latest Action
Read twice and referred to the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs.