Non-Controversial Portman Bill Would Protect & Support America’s Search & Rescue Teams That Respond to Disasters like Hurricane Matthew

WASHINGTON, DC — As Ohio Task Force One deploys to Lakeland, Florida today to help with the aftermath of Hurricane Matthew, Senator Rob Portman (R-OH) once again expressed his disappointment that Senate Minority Leader Harry Reid (D-NV) blocked Senate passage of a non-controversial bill designed to support America’s search & rescue teams that respond so bravely to these types of national emergencies. Considering the bill’s strong bipartisan support, including Homeland Security Secretary Jeh Johnson, Portman released the following statement urging his colleagues to take up the legislation upon their return to Washington:

“Brave Ohioans are heading into the hurricane-affected areas of Florida today and the bill that would guarantee their jobs when they return has yet to be passed due to the petty partisan politics of Harry Reid. The private citizens who are risking their lives to help their fellow citizens deserve more from the Minority Leader. I strongly urge my colleagues to pass this bipartisan, non-controversial bill as soon as the Senate reconvenes in November.”

NOTE:  On September 28th, Portman offered a motion to adopt his non-controversial bill by unanimous consent, and Reid blocked passage of the measure.  Reid’s objections were noteworthy because the bill would help Nevada Task Force 1, which is located at the Clark County Fire Department in Las Vegas.  Portman even offered to withdraw his name from the bill, and allow Reid to sponsor the measure, and Reid still objected.

Portman’s legislation, the National Urban Search and Rescue Response System Act, is bipartisan legislation that would strengthen the efficiency and effectiveness of FEMA’s disaster assistance capabilities and programs. The bill also codifies protections for the search and rescue teams that respond to national emergencies such as 9/11, or Hurricanes Katrina and Sandy, making sure that the private citizens who leave their jobs to help fellow citizens in the affected areas are guaranteed their jobs when they return. Task Force 1 located in Dayton, Ohio responded to all of these events.  The bill was approved by HSGAC on a bipartisan basis in May, and endorsed in September by Homeland Security Secretary Jeh Johnson.

A FEMA report found that 11 percent or greater of each search and rescue task force is comprised of non-affiliated members, who are not employed by a sponsoring or participating agency.  Instead, they are private citizens employed as medical doctors, engineers, and heavy riggers, who bring unique and specialized skill sets necessary to rescue survivors in times of disaster.  Without the extension of reemployment rights for System members, non-affiliated members risk losing their regular jobs upon returning from deployment, which has occurred after previous disasters such as Hurricane Katrina. Since 9/11, task force teams have been required to prepare to respond to all-hazards, including Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear, and Explosive (CBRNE) incidents, and were appropriated additional funds to purchase equipment to provide that capability. GAO recently found that the System’s CBRNE equipment is reaching its life-cycle expiration and other critical equipment is outdated.  FEMA does not have a plan to replace System equipment.  This bill authorizes funding to maintain this critical capability.

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