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Pam Fessler Pam Fessler is a correspondent on NPR's National Desk, where she covers poverty and philanthropy.
Pam Fessler 2010
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Pam Fessler

Changes to FEMA Operations Expected

Department of Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff is expected to announce changes in how the Federal Emergency Management Agency operates. Congressional investigations of the agency's Hurricane Katrina response will conclude in February, amid calls to make FEMA an independent agency again.

Changes to FEMA Operations Expected

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Katrina & Beyond

Blanco, Nagin Defend Katrina Response

In a visit to Capitol Hill, Louisiana Gov. Kathleen Blanco and New Orleans Mayor Ray Nagin defend their actions immediately before and after Hurricane Katrina. They faced strong criticism from Republicans on a House committee investigating the government's response to the storm.

Blanco, Nagin Defend Katrina Response

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Katrina & Beyond

Deadline for Katrina Victims' Hotel Aid Extended

A federal judge in New Orleans rules that the government must pay for hotel housing needed by Hurricane Katrina victims until Feb. 7; the previous deadline was Jan. 7. The judge said the extension will help ensure that people have enough time to find other aid.

Deadline for Katrina Victims' Hotel Aid Extended

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National

Panel: Federal Anti-Terrorism Efforts Failing

The members of the former Sept. 11 Commission release their final report on the White House and Congress' implementation of the panel's recommendations. The commissioners are highly critical of the federal response -- giving many government departments failing grades.

Panel: Federal Anti-Terrorism Efforts Failing

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National

Panel: U.S. Government Failing in Sept. 11 Response

The U.S. government is failing in its efforts to prevent future terrorist attacks like those of Sept. 11, 2001, according to a report by former members of the Sept. 11 Commission.

Panel: U.S. Government Failing in Sept. 11 Response

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National

9-11 Panel Gives Administration Failing Grades

The 9-11 Public Discourse Project issued its final evaluation Monday, a report card assessing how well the United States has implemented key counter-terror reforms. Madeleine Brand talks to NPR homeland security correspondent Pam Fessler about the panel's conclusion that the federal government has not done a sufficient job of protecting the country against future attacks.

9-11 Panel Gives Administration Failing Grades

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National

Sept. 11 Panel Disappointed by Govt. Response

The Sept. 11 Commission issues a follow-up report on how the White House and Congress have responded to the their recommendations. The panel issued advice last year on how to avoid another terrorist attack, but members say the results have been disappointing.

Sept. 11 Panel Disappointed by Govt. Response

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National

Airline Security Search Rules Revised

The Transportation Security Administration announces changes to the way airline passengers are searched, including more random searches. Also, it updates the list of prohibited items aboard planes, allowing more sharp objects, such as small scissors and screwdrivers. The changes are effective Dec. 22.

Airline Security Search Rules Revised

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National

Air Travelers Allowed to Keep Small, Sharp Objects

The Department of Homeland Security is expected to announce soon that airline passengers will once again be allowed to carry small, sharp objects onto planes -- including items such as screwdrivers and scissors, banned since the terrorist attacks on Sept. 11, 2001.

Air Travelers Allowed to Keep Small, Sharp Objects

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National

Chertoff on Bolstering U.S. Border Security

In an exclusive interview with NPR, Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff talks about agency plans to tighten the southern U.S. border and ending the "catch and release" policy. The policy of releasing illegal immigrants has been criticized as a potential way for terrorists to enter the country.

Chertoff on Bolstering U.S. Border Security

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Katrina & Beyond

FEMA Extends Hotel Deadline for Katrina Survivors

Under intense pressure from hurricane evacuees and local officials, the Federal Emergency Management Agency is extending the deadline for moving displaced Hurricane Katrina survivors out of hotels until Dec. 15. The original deadline was Dec. 1.

FEMA Extends Hotel Deadline for Katrina Survivors

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Katrina & Beyond

Re-Bid Process for Hurricane Recovery Delayed

Bush administration officials promised last month to re-bid four no-bid contracts issued after Hurricanes Katrina and Rita. Now they say it will be at least February before new awards are made. And in a little-noticed change, the Federal Emergency Management Agency has greatly expanded the value of the existing no-bid contracts.

Re-Bid Process for Hurricane Recovery Delayed

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Katrina & Beyond

FEMA to End Hotel Payments for Evacuees

An estimated 53,000 families evacuated from the Gulf Coast are still living in hotels, on the federal government's tab. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has announced that as of Dec. 1, it will no longer pay for the hotel rooms, but will work with people to find more permanent housing.

FEMA to End Hotel Payments for Evacuees

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Katrina & Beyond

Hurricane Recovery Spending Difficult to Monitor

Congress has provided $62 billion for the cleanup and recovery from Hurricane Katrina, but it's not easy to find out just how the money is being spent. That is leading to frustration among those who want to make sure the money is well spent.

Hurricane Recovery Spending Difficult to Monitor

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Lawmakers Avoid Separation of FEMA, Homeland Security

Congress appears reluctant for now to remove the Federal Emergency Management Agency from the Department of Homeland Security. Many emergency managers say absorption into Homeland Security weakened FEMA and contributed to the its disorganized response to Hurricane Katrina.

Lawmakers Avoid Separation of FEMA, Homeland Security

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