Following the tragedies inflicted on the citizens of the gulf coast by hurricanes Katrina and Rita, local, state and federal government must examine the way the three levels of government communicate and coordinate their response. The possibility of the federal government pre-empting the authority of states or governors in emergencies, however, is opposed by the nation's governors. 

Governors are responsible for the safety and welfare of their citizens and are in the best position to coordinate all resources to prepare for, respond to and recover from disasters.  Federal aid and assistance are sometimes necessary to accomplish these goals, and governors are open to discussing how to best team with federal emergency officials.

NGA Chairman Mike Huckabee
Governor of Arkansas

NGA Vice Chair Janet Napolitano
Governor of Arizona

"People could have taken the impression that we in Mississippi need the federal government to come in and take over what we're doing, that we need some kind of czar to tell us how to run Mississippi.  We don't need that. In fact, that wouldn't help us. That would hurt us. Right now we Mississippians are proving to the world that we're resilient, self-reliant people who want to help our neighbors, who are selfless and courageous, and we don't need the federal government to come in and take over what we're doing."

Mississippi Governor Haley Barbour
Live with Larry King

"I can say with certainty that federalizing emergency response to catastrophic events would be a disaster as bad as Hurricane Katrina. Just as all politics are local, so are all disasters. The most effective response is one that starts at the local level and grows with the support of surrounding communities, the state and then the federal government. The bottom-up approach yields the best and quickest results--saving lives, protecting property and getting life back to normal as soon as possible."

Florida Governor Jeb Bush
The Washington Post

"Whether a governor is a Republican or Democrat, I would expect the response would be, 'Hell no.'"

Michigan Governor Jennifer Granholm
USA Today

"I haven't heard any governors say 'That's a great idea. I'll give up my power to an unelected general to oversee my state.' That would be a significant, almost revolutionary change in government policy and practice . . . You're going to have a pushback from governors, county executives, mayors, fire chiefs, police chiefs all up and down the emergency--management structure . . ."

NGA Chairman Arkansas Governor Mike Huckabee
Knight Ridder Newspapers

"I would never abdicate, nor would I expect any other governor to abdicate, the responsibility to protect the people of my state."

West Virginia Governor Joe Manchin
USA Today

"Homeland security begins with hometown security.  The two go hand-in-hand to create a partnership, but one that is best governed by each governor.  The importance of the governor's role has been highlighted by the support we provide to other states when emergencies arise.  When Governor Barbour needed our help, I was able to send resources, including those from the Delaware National Guard.  Within 24 hours, we were one of the first on the ground in Mississippi, a fact which I can say is due to my ability to call up state assets.  Governors must continue to be afforded this ability."

Delaware Governor Ruth Ann Minner

"In the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, many have concluded that all the answers are to be found in Washington, DC.  As a former member of Congress, I recognize that the federal government has a unique and critically important role to play in responding to catastrophes--but state and local leaders must retain the primary role in planning and acting as first responders.  Congress should avoid attempts to 'federalize' planning and response activities that are the responsibility of state and local agencies. Communities must have the flexibility to shape their preparedness and emergency response efforts."

Alabama Governor Bob Riley
Senate Finance Committee Testimony

"People in Washington, D.C. can yap all they want, but they're not going to undermine the constitution of the state of Montana."

Montana Governor Brian Schweitzer
USA Today

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