Lawmakers Discuss Military's Role

Lawmakers Discuss Military's Role


Wednesday November 9, 2005 7:46 PM

By LARA JAKES JORDAN

Associated Press Writer

WASHINGTON (AP) - Republican lawmakers raised concerns Wednesday about
President Bush's push to expand the Pentagon's response role during
disasters like Hurricane Katrina, fearing the military could be
stretched too thin.

"To an American public understandably upset by the slow response to
Hurricane Katrina and frightened by a possible avian flu outbreak,
the president's suggestion merits discussion," Rep. Dave G. Reichert
told a House panel.

However, "if the military assumes primary responsibility for both
national defense and emergency response, then its dual missions may
drain valuable resources and personnel," said Reichert, R-Wash.

Rep. Bennie G. Thompson of Mississippi, the top Democrat on the panel,
said Homeland Security should remain in charge of disaster response
mission, but that it needs to do a better job of coordinating those
efforts.

"The real issue is whether or not the Department of Homeland Security
is doing its job," Thompson said.