The FEMA Independence Act of 2023 would elevate the Federal Emergency Management Agency from its current status as part of the Department of Homeland Security to an independent cabinet-level agency reporting directly to the President. The Director of FEMA would be appointed by the President with Senate confirmation and would need at least five years of executive leadership experience in both the public and private sectors, with demonstrated expertise in emergency management and homeland security. The agency would maintain its core mission of preparing for, responding to, recovering from, and mitigating all types of hazards including natural disasters and terrorism, and would continue administering disaster relief programs under the Stafford Act. The transition would occur within 120 days of the bill's enactment, with the Department of Homeland Security required to assist FEMA during the changeover by providing personnel and assets as needed. The bill also includes conforming amendments to federal law to reflect FEMA's new independent status and requires the Director to submit a report to Congress within 90 days after the transition period describing any additional legislative changes needed to implement the reorganization.
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