H.R. 4183, The National Urban Search and Rescue Response System Act of 2007

• This item is from the 110th Congress (2007-2008) and is no longer current. Comments, voting, and wiki editing have been disabled, and the cost/savings estimate has been frozen.

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H.R. 4183 would amend the Homeland Security Act of 2002 to establish the National Urban Search and Rescue Response System.

Detailed Summary

National Urban Search and Rescue Response System Act of 2007 - Amends the Homeland Security Act of 2002 to codify provisions establishing in the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) the National Urban Search and Rescue Response System, under which the Secretary of Homeland Security shall provide for a national network of standardized search and rescue resources to assist state and local governments in responding to structural collapses resulting from terrorist acts and other incidents.

Directs the Secretary to: (1) select and designate task forces to participate in the System and determine criteria for participation; (2) enter into an agreement with the sponsoring agency of each task force regarding participation; and (3) maintain such management and technical teams as the Secretary deems necessary. Authorizes a task force to include states, local governments, private nonprofit organizations, and for-profit entities.

Directs the Secretary (subject to specified limitations) to enter into, with each sponsoring agency: (1) an annual preparedness cooperative agreement; and (2) a response cooperative agreement, under which the Secretary agrees to reimburse agency costs incurred in responding to incidents.

Authorizes the Secretary to appoint a System member for sponsored or sanctioned exercises, pre-incident staging, or major disaster, emergency response, or training events. Sets forth provisions regarding: (1) appointment into federal service, including employment status, compensation, treatment as an employee in the event of personal injury, illness, disability, or death, liability, and employment and re-employment rights; and (2) licenses and permits. Directs the Secretary to establish and maintain an advisory subcommittee of the National Advisory Council.

Status of the Legislation

Latest Major Action: 1/31/2008: Referred to House subcommittee. Status: Referred to the Subcommittee on Emergency Communications, Preparedness, and Response.

Points in Favor

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Points Against

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