NEWS

**COMMISSION ON THE NATIONAL GUARD AND RESERVES**

**2521 S. Clark Street, Suite 650, Arlington, VA 22202, (703) 699-2800,
fax (703) 699-2846, [[www.cngr.gov]{.underline}](../www.cngr.gov)**

May 4, 2006

**INDEPENDENT COMMISSION CONCLUDES FIRST HEARING ON ROLES OF NATIONAL
GUARD AND RESERVES IN HOMELAND SECURITY, DISASTER RESPONSE**

The first of two public hearings on the current and future roles of the
National Guard and reserves in homeland security and disaster response
concluded today in Washington following testimony by top federal
officials and military commanders responsible for the nation's homeland
defense and security.

Last year's Gulf Coast hurricanes illustrated the critical roles that
the National Guard and reserves play in responding effectively to
natural disasters and providing for the security of the U.S. homeland.
In the hearing, members of the Commission on the National Guard and
Reserves questioned witnesses on the steps being taken by their agencies
to improve preparations for natural disasters and other large-scale
emergencies. Much of their questioning focused on the existing "balance
of responsibility" among the federal, state, and local organizations
involved in homeland security and disaster response, including
interagency challenges at the federal level, and obstacles impeding
"unity of effort" at all levels.

In their testimony, the federal and military leaders described steps
they are taking to improve performance in areas such as training,
communications, and interagency coordination, but also identified areas
in which capabilities to protect the homeland and respond to disasters
must be improved.

Among recommendations made by a panel of experts in homeland defense and
security were an increased focus on regional preparation and response to
disasters; greater access by governors to military force capabilities,
beyond the National Guard, in their response to disasters; and an
increased focus on the long term capabilities that will be needed by the
National Guard and reserves if they are to meet both domestic and
overseas requirements.

"It's been eight months since Hurricane Katrina," said Commission
Chairman Arnold Punaro. "A month before the start of a new hurricane
season, our Commissioners are asking what's been done to better prepare
this nation to respond to the next major disaster. None of our expert
witnesses appeared satisfied with the progress to date."

The Commission's next public hearing, to be held in Washington on June
15, will examine National Guard and reserve roles in disaster response
and homeland security from the perspective of state government.

***[Information on CNGR Web Site]{.underline}***

*Statements submitted by witnesses in the hearing just concluded may be
found on the Commission's Web site --
[www.cngr.gov](http://www.cngr.gov/). Complete transcripts of the
hearing sessions will be available on this site beginning May 10.*

*Also: The May 3 hearing panels were taped by C-SPAN for later broadcast
on its networks, and by the Pentagon Channel for later broadcast to the
military community.*

**CONTACT:**

Mike Brown, (703) 699-2854, (703) 901-7835 (cell), or
<Michael.Brown@wso.whs.mil>

Laura Waxman, (703) 699-2875, (202) 489-7534 (cell), or
<Laura.Waxman@wso.whs.mil>

\# \# \#