The report cites several key findings:

·         “For the nation as a whole, the report rates only a quarter of state emergency operations plans and 10 percent of municipal plans as ‘sufficient’ to cope with a natural disaster or a terrorist attack. That is the highest of the three ratings defined by the analysis, above ‘partially sufficient’ and ‘not sufficient.’” (The New York Times, June 17, 2006)

·        “The assessment, which based its ratings on an analysis of preparations in categories like evacuation, medical care and public notification, found that the only states with fully adequate, feasible and acceptable plans were Florida, Maryland, Massachusetts, Mississippi, New York, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas and Vermont. The plans of most other states were deemed partially sufficient.” (The New York Times, June 17, 2006)

Representative Schwartz released the following statement in response to the report.

“The Department of Homeland Security report is further confirmation that the United States remains unprepared to respond in the event of a terrorist attack or a natural disaster. The reality is that despite billions of dollars having spent since 9/11, we are still far from being prepared to both protect our nation, and to respond in the event of a disaster or attack.

“We have to become smarter, more efficient, and more effective on how we secure America. Sending tens of millions of dollars to our nation’s smallest cities and towns, while slashing funding to major cities such as Philadelphia, is a step in the wrong direction. It sends a message that we are not using funds wisely, and that we are leaving our major cities behind and unprepared.

“I intend to continue speaking out on the need for improved homeland security policies. First and foremost, we must implement all of the 9/11 Commissions recommendations; secondly we need to ensure we are smarter and more effective on how we spend homeland security dollars; and thirdly we need to screen 100 percent of cargo coming into the U.S. in ships and on airplanes.

“Protecting and defending our homeland and our citizens has to be the top priority of all levels of government. Anything less is simply unacceptable.”

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