Hirono, Blumenthal Lead Legislation to Bolster VA’s Emergency Response to Disasters

~ Senators introduce AVERT Crises Act to improve VA’s preparedness for responding to natural disasters, pandemics, and other emergencies ~

WASHINGTON, D.C.– U.S. Senators Mazie K. Hirono (D-HI) and Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), both members of the Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee, introduced theAdvancing VA’s Emergency Response to (AVERT) Crises Act—legislationto strengthen the Department of Veterans Affairs’ (VA) response to natural disasters, pandemics, and other emergencies.

“As extreme weather events and climate-related disasters become increasingly common throughout the country, theAVERT Crises Actwill help to ensure that the VA has the resources necessary to respond to these emergencies,”said Senator Hirono.“By increasing coordination between FEMA and the VA and streamlining VA’s emergency management offices, this critical legislation will help the VA fulfill its emergency preparedness mission and better support those affected by future natural disasters.”

TheAVERT Crises Actwould help ensure continuity of VA medical care for veterans during emergencies and make sure the Department is better prepared to activate its Fourth Mission authority—VA’s role in improving the nation’s response to emergencies. It would require VA to increase coordination with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) during emergencies, analyze ways to streamline VA’s disjointed emergency management offices, and examine whether the Department’s Regional Readiness Centers are being used to their fullest potential.

The lawmakers’ legislation addresses lessons learned from VA’s response to recent natural disasters, the COVID-19 pandemic, and the findings of numerous reports from the VA Office of Inspector General. Recently, natural and weather-related disasters have increased in frequency and intensity, and VA plays a critical role in responding to these emergencies.

The full text of the legislation is availablehere.

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