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Week Ending October 5, 2007

S.J.RES.13 A joint resolution granting the consent of Congress to the International Emergency Management Assistance Memorandum of Understanding.

Congress gives its consent to the International Emergency Management Assistance Memorandum of Understanding between the Canadian Provinces of Quebec, New Brunswick, Prince Edwards Island, Nova Scotia and Newfoundland and the US States of Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, and Connecticut. The Memorandum provides for mutual assistance between the States and Provinces in managing any emergency or disaster when the jurisdictions ask for it whether the disaster is natural, technological, manmade or a civil emergency due to resource shortages.

`Each party jurisdiction entering into this compact recognizes that many emergencies may exceed the capabilities of a party jurisdiction and that intergovernmental cooperation is essential in such circumstances. Each jurisdiction further recognizes that there will be emergencies that may require immediate access and present procedures to apply outside resources to make a prompt and effective response to such an emergency because few, if any, individual jurisdictions have all the resources they need in all types of emergencies or the capability of delivering resources to areas where emergencies exist.

`The prompt, full, and effective utilization of resources of the participating jurisdictions, including any resources on hand or available from any other source that are essential to the safety, care, and welfare of the people in the event of any emergency or disaster, shall be the underlying principle on which all articles of this compact are understood.

`On behalf of the party jurisdictions participating in the compact, the legally designated official who is assigned responsibility for emergency management is responsible for formulation of the appropriate inter-jurisdictional mutual aid plans and procedures necessary to implement this compact, and for recommendations to the jurisdiction concerned with respect to the amendment of any statutes, regulations, or ordinances required for that purpose.”

Sponsor:  Senator Patrick Leahy (D-VT)

Vote: Passed Senate by voice vote October 2, 2007

Cost to the taxpayers: No discernible cost

Earmark Certification:  Not applicable to this bill.

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