WASHINGTON –
U.S. Senator Benjamin L. Cardin, D-MD, today told the Senate Homeland Security and Government Affairs Committee that Dennis Schrader did an excellent job as the first director of Homeland Security for Maryland, and he supports his confirmation for a top position at the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).
 

“As Director of Homeland Security for Maryland, Dennis Schrader applied his experience from the military, the private sector, and his elected service on the Howard County Council to create a modern, efficient agency capable of identifying and responding to the threats of foreign and domestic terrorism and natural disasters.

“He also worked across all levels of government and across party lines to build on existing state functions and local initiatives and leveraged new resources and strategies to create a continuous, cost effective, and sustainable ‘culture of preparedness’ in Maryland,” said Senator Cardin in formally introducing Mr. Schrader to the Committee.

Mr. Schrader has been nominated by the Bush Administration to be FEMA’s Deputy Administrator for National Preparedness.
  In his new role, he will oversee two major functional responsibilities: readiness, prevention and planning and the National Integration Center (NIC).
  The NIC provides strategic direction for and oversight of the National Incident Management System.

FEMA became part of the Department of Homeland Security in 2003. Its primary mission is to reduce the loss of life and property and protect the nation from all hazards, including natural, acts of terrorism or other man-made disasters.