Huntsville Leader

Today, the Committee on Homeland Security announced that Representative Dale W. Strong will chair the Homeland Security Emergency Management and Technology (EMT) Subcommittee for the 119th Congress. The announcement was made by Committee Chairman Mark Green.

Representative Strong has over four decades of experience as a first responder, having served as an assistant fire chief in one of Alabama's largest volunteer fire departments and as a licensed Emergency Medical Technician. Prior to his role in Washington, DC, he was Chairman of the Madison County Commission, Alabama's second-largest county.

“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. 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,” said Representative Dale W. Strong.

The EMT Subcommittee is responsible for overseeing emergency preparedness, response, mitigation, recovery efforts; Department of Homeland Security (DHS) grant programs; homeland security research and development; and addressing threats from weapons of mass destruction and health security risks. It also supervises agencies like FEMA, S&T Directorate, CWMD Office, and OHS Office.

“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. Working alongside Chairman 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,” said Representative Dale W. Strong.

Chairman Mark Green expressed confidence in Strong's leadership: “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.”

The Committee on Homeland Security oversees DHS activities related to national security including border protection, intelligence counterterrorism efforts, cybersecurity initiatives along with transportation safety measures.