Congressional Primer on Responding to Major Disasters and Emergencies

This report provides information to aid policymakers as they navigate the levels of responsibility of the national emergency management structure, and numerous policy pressure points. It describes the laws and administrative policies governing the disaster response and recovery process. It also reviews the legislative framework that exists for providing federal financial assistance following disasters, as well as the policies the executive branch employs to provide supplemental help to state, tribal, and local governments during times of disasters.