Strong to chair Homeland Security critical emergency response subcommittee

WASHINGTON — With his decades-long legacy of serving as a first responder in Madison County, Rep. Dale Strong’s latest appointment is a natural fit.

The second-term congressman was selected to serve as chair of the Homeland Security Emergency Management and Technology Subcommittee.

Strong (R-Monrovia) has served as a first responder for over four decades, including as former assistant fire chief of the Monrovia Volunteer Fire & Rescue, one of Alabama’s largest volunteer fire departments, and a licensed Emergency Medical Technician.

“I am thrilled to once again serve on the Committee on Homeland Security, this time as chairman of the Subcommittee on Emergency Management and Technology,” Strong said. “With decades of experience as an EMT and volunteer firefighter, I not only have a frontline perspective on disaster preparedness, but I have immense gratitude for the men and women who keep our communities safe every day.”

The subcommittee focuses on emergency preparedness, response, mitigation, and recovery; Department of Homeland Security grant programs; homeland security research and development; and the mitigation of weapons of mass destruction and health security threats. It maintains oversight of the Federal Emergency Management Agency, the Science and Technology Directorate, the Office of Countering Weapons of Mass Destruction, and the Office of Health Security.

“Sadly, the American people have faced endless crises over the past four years, exposing first responders to increased hazards on the job and revealing inefficiencies in the federal government’s response and preparedness when disaster strikes,” Strong said. “Working alongside Chairman (Mark) Green and my colleagues, I am committed to addressing these gaps and ensuring emergency management entities are equipped with the best technology, equipment, and training to accomplish their essential mission.”

Green (R-Tenn.) cited Strong’s background in announcing the selection.

“Representative Dale Strong’s decades-long experience as an EMT and volunteer firefighter continues to provide a unique voice for first responders and frontline emergency personnel on the committee,” he said.“I have full confidence in Chairman Strong as he takes the gavel for the Subcommittee on Emergency Management and Technology. He is immensely prepared to correct inefficiencies in the federal government’s emergency response and ensure community preparedness for a wide array of disasters.”