Sen. Bunning puts hold on FEMA nominee
The AP reports today that Sen. Jim Bunning has put a hold on the nomination of David Paulison to head FEMA:
A spokesman for Sen. Jim Bunning (R-Ky.) said the senator would delay a vote on Paulison’s confirmation until the Federal Emergency Management Agency develops a suitable appeals process for property owners whose flood insurance claims are rejected.
FEMA administers the insurance program. Bunning spokesman Mike Reynard said the agency was supposed to establish an appeals process by December 2004.
Bunning “is going to hold the nomination until they meet the intention of Congress by establishing an appeals process that will help the victims of floods,” Reynard said. “It has to be a real and meaningful appeals process.”
Whatever Bunning’s grievances might be, this is no time to be impeding FEMA, with hurricane season starting next week. This type of petty sniping – seen before here - is a dangerous game and creates unnecessary risks to our readiness, at a time when Paulison needs all of the authority that he can muster.
