Find graphics featuring the NPM Congressional Co-Chairs and their quotes here.
U.S. Senate
Senator Laphonza Butler (CA) Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs
“Californians know firsthand the growing threat of natural disasters, from wildfires to intense heatwaves,” said Senator Butler. “National Preparedness Month is a vital opportunity to reinforce emergency preparedness at all levels and to strengthen our disaster response and recovery efforts. I am proud to work with FEMA to promote resilience and safeguard every community across the Golden State.”
Senator Alex Padilla (CA) Chair, Subcommittee on Fisheries, Water, and Wildlife. Committee on Natural Resources Member
“Californians know firsthand the importance of disaster preparedness, and the recent surge in wildfires, extreme heat, and drought across the West make building resilience even more important,” said Senator Padilla. “Too often, minorities and underserved communities face disproportionate threats to their safety and livelihoods when disaster strikes. I am honored to serve as co-chair for the first-ever Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander National Preparedness Month, and I will work with my colleagues to protect our communities from increasingly extreme weather.”
Chairman Gary Peters (MI), Homeland Security and Government Affairs Committee
“Severe weather, flooding and wildfires are happening more frequently, and causing serious damage and destruction in our communities. National Preparedness Month is an important opportunity to share lifesaving information about how families and businesses can be prepared in an emergency, and how FEMA is working to help communities plan for and respond to natural disasters.”
U.S. House of Representatives
U.S. Rep. Suzanne Bonamici (OR) Ranking Member, Committee on Education and Workforce
“In NW Oregon, the climate crisis is fueling devastating disasters like wildfires and extreme heat. Our region also faces a significant earthquake and tsunami threat from the Cascadia Subduction Zone. We all have a role to play in better preparing communities for disaster. During National Preparedness Month, I encourage Oregonians and Americans to learn about the steps they can take to be ready in case of an emergency. I will continue to advocate for the resources and investments necessary to increase resiliency.”
U.S. Rep. Troy A Carter, Sr. (LA) Ranking Member, House Homeland Security Committee, Emergency Management and Technology Subcommittee.
“With natural disasters increasing in frequency and intensity, investments we make today in readiness and resilience will determine the outcome of our response tomorrow. Louisianians know this better than anyone. I have learned from my time on the ground that we must instill a culture of preparedness at all levels of government and ensure our response and recovery to disasters are equitable. I am proud to serve as a Co-Chair of the 2024 National Preparedness Month and look forward to working with FEMA to promote equitable disaster preparedness, response, and recovery,”
U.S. Rep. Ed Case (HI) U.S. House Appropriations Committee Subcommittee on Homeland Security
"As a member of the U.S. House Appropriations Committee’s Subcommittee on Homeland Security, with oversight and funding jurisdiction over the Federal Emergency Management Agency and other federal disaster and security efforts, I am honored to serve as Co-Chair of National Preparedness Month 2024. And representing the state with the highest numbers of Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians and Pacific Islanders, I am grateful that this year’s theme focuses on empowering our AANHPI community nationwide to prepare fully and adequately for disaster. The reality is that, for various reasons, all of them solvable, our AANHPI communities are both less prepared and less confident in their ability to prepare than many others. As one tragic example, the Maui wildfires of a year ago impacted our AANHPI disproportionately, including Lahaina with some 40% Filipino American residents. We must all work with FEMA and our ‘ohana to assure that these lessons are learned and our communities whether AANHPI or others are fully prepared."
Rep. Judy Chu (CA) Member, Ways and Means Committee
“From wildfires to hurricanes, extreme weather emergencies are increasing in frequency and devastating families and communities across the nation. With heightened risks due to climate change, it is critical for us to be prepared and know how to react so that we can keep our loved ones safe when every second counts. As Chair of the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus, I also know that seniors and communities of color are especially vulnerable to disasters, with Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders facing challenges like language barriers, lack of culturally appropriate outreach, and rising sea levels for coastal communities. I look forward to serving as Co-Chair of the 2024 National Preparedness Month to increase awareness about disaster readiness and partnering with FEMA to make certain that all families, including AANHPI ones, know how to take protective measures before, during, and after an emergency.”
U.S. Rep. Suzan DelBene (WA) Chair, Congressional Hazards Caucus
“Climate change is reshaping our planet, bringing with it more frequent and dangerous natural disasters like landslides, storms, and wildfires. National Preparedness Month provides a great opportunity to highlight safety and readiness initiatives, particularly for Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander communities who bear a disproportionate burden from climate change impacts across the Pacific Northwest and country.I will continue advocating for investments and programs to mitigate these impacts so we can protect lives, property, culture, and communities.”
U.S. Rep. Lizzie Fletcher – (TX) House Committee on Energy and Commerce, Subcommittee on Energy, Climate, and Grid Security
“Preparing ahead of a disaster can make all the difference in keeping our families and loved ones safe. I am glad to serve as Congressional Co-Chair and to work with FEMA this National Preparedness Month to help empower our Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander neighbors to be prepared and to ensure this important community has access to culturally competent preparedness materials to be more resilient. FEMA plays a critical role in disaster preparedness, response, and recovery, and I look forward to assisting them with efforts across our communities.”
Resident Commissioner Jenniffer Gonzalez Colon (Puerto Rico)
Vice Chair, House Committee on Natural Resources Indian and Insular Affairs
“Emergencies and disasters come in many forms. Over the past few years Puerto Rico has faced a series of hurricanes, earthquakes and floods, impacting different communities across the Island and teaching us some valuable lessons along the way. From wildfires in California, to tornadoes in Oklahoma, to blizzards in South Dakota, and typhoons in Guam, adequate preparedness is crucial both to withstand the immediate effect and to be able to quickly recover. As a member of the subcommittee with jurisdiction over FEMA I have called out the need not only for prompt action and execution of recovery after the disaster, but also of readiness to face the next situation more effectively. National Disaster Preparedness Month happens during the peak of Hurricane Season and is a time to emphasize the effort to support preparation and planning in the public and private sectors, using the tools and knowledge of federal, state and local responders to help our vulnerable residents. I am proud to be a Co-Chair of the 2024 National Disaster Preparedness Month with my colleagues from both sides of the aisle, to help reach out to the public with vital information on how to face disaster risks.”
U.S. Rep. Sam Graves Missouri (MO) Chairman, Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure in the U.S. House of Representatives.
“National Preparedness Month is a reminder that disaster can strike anytime, anywhere, and it’s critical for families and businesses to have a plan in place to prepare for emergencies. Even a basic emergency plan can make a huge difference when disasters occur, and FEMA and other federal, state, and local officials have the resources available to put together such a plan. I encourage all Americans to take advantage of these resources and to help themselves and each other be better prepared throughout the year.”
Rep. Mark E. Green, MD (TN) Chairman, House Homeland Security Committee
“Nearly 20 years after the historic devastation from Hurricane Katrina, natural disasters still threaten the lives of Americans and our critical infrastructure. Just last year, we learned from the fires that tore through Lahaina, Hawaii, tragically taking more than 100 lives, that disaster can strike anywhere at any moment and if we are not prepared, the impacts can be catastrophic. Whether preparing for a wildfire, hurricane, earthquake, or even just excessive summer heat and unpredictable winter weather, the best thing anyone can do is develop a plan for their family, home, business, and community. As a congressional co-chair for National Preparedness Month, I encourage every American to use FEMA’s preparedness resources to ensure they and their loved ones can stay safe when disaster strikes.”
U.S. Rep Rick Larsen (WA) Ranking Member, Transportation & Infrastructure Committee
“Keeping loved ones safe during an emergency starts with a conversation,” said Rep. Rick Larsen (WA-02), the lead Democrat on the Transportation & Infrastructure Committee. “In the Pacific Northwest, communities must prepare for everything nature throws our way, from floods and wildfires to earthquakes and tsunamis. By having a plan now, you will be ready to protect you and your family when disaster strikes.”
Del. James Moylan (Guam) Member, House Armed Services Committee: Subcommittee on Readiness
“I am both ecstatic and proud to be the Congressional Co- Chair for this year’s FEMA National Preparedness Month. This initiative is crucial in educating and empowering communities to be ready for natural disasters and emergencies. In 2023, my district was adversely impacted by Super Typhoon Mawar, which left many homes and businesses demolished, families displaced, and schools left in shambles. It is our responsibility to ensure that our residents are properly prepared. I am confident that with the help of FEMA and other federal partners, we can create a more alert and resilient community.’’
U.S. Rep. Adam Smith (WA) Ranking Member, House Armed Services Committee
"In the Pacific Northwest, preparing for natural disasters—ranging from wildfires to earthquakes—is crucial. With the increasing frequency and intensity of these events, dedicating time and resources to preventive measures is more important than ever. National Preparedness Month offers a valuable chance to evaluate and enhance our readiness for emergencies. It’s an ideal time to update emergency plans, put together disaster kits, and stay informed about local risks. As a Co-Chair for the 2024 National Preparedness Month, I am proud to collaborate with FEMA to advance disaster preparedness and help our communities stay safe."
U.S. Rep. Mark Takano (CA) Ranking Member, House Veterans’ Affairs Committee
“As a Co-Chair of FEMA’s National Preparedness Month on AANHPI Readiness, I urge everyone—especially those in the AANHPI community— to prepare for disasters. Just this past year, my community has faced the impacts of fast-moving wildfires, flooding brought on by Hurricane Hillary, and rising temperatures. As the severity and frequency of disasters increase, having a plan to prepare and protect communities is vital to staying resilient. I hope all Americans join me in raising awareness to fairer disaster preparedness, response, and recovery.”
U.S. Rep. Dina Titus (NV) Ranking Member, Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, Economic Development, Public Buildings and Emergency Management Subcommittee
“From hurricanes to intense heat waves, natural disasters are becoming more frequent, more severe, and more expensive due to climate change. We must continue to reduce carbon emissions that are driving climate change, but we also must act now to protect our most vulnerable citizens. Seniors and minority communities are especially at risk. In my state of Nevada and elsewhere, the Asian community is the fastest-growing segment of our population. Many in the Asian population live in areas that are ‘heat islands,’ surrounded by pavement and buildings that absorb and radiate heat, raising ambient temperatures even higher on our hottest days. To ensure equal protection for all our citizens, I have introduced legislation to give FEMA and local communities more tools to address the effects of extreme heat. As Ranking Member of the House subcommittee that oversees FEMA, I want to give FEMA the resources it needs to address all natural disasters but especially immediate ones like extreme heat that are putting more lives at risk every day.”
Bennie G. Thompson (MS) Ranking Member, Committee on Homeland Security
“The threat of climate change is making the natural disasters we face more frequent and more intense,” said Ranking Member Thompson. “To combat this, the Federal government must constantly work to improve our readiness, preparedness, and resilience so we can be sure no one is left behind when disaster strikes – and ensure that recovery outcomes are equitable. Everyone, especially those who are disproportionally impacted by disasters like racial minorities, rural communities, low-income communities, tribes, individuals with disabilities, seniors, and children, must be included in emergency preparation, response, and recovery efforts. I am honored to serve as Co-Chair during the 2024 National Preparedness Month and look forward to working with the Administration to ensure our communities are prepared for future disasters.”
U.S. Rep. Jill Tokuda (HI) Member, House Committee on Agriculture
“In Hawaii, we are raised from a young age to be prepared for disasters. Never turn your back to the ocean, listen for the emergency sirens, and be prepared with food and supplies. From hurricanes to wildfires to tsunamis, we've seen the power of Mother Nature. And, being in the middle of the Pacific, we know that help is often at least 72 hours away. As we face an active hurricane season and the growing threat of wildfires, the most important step each of us can take to protect ourselves and our loved ones is to create an emergency plan now. Make sure your family knows what to do when disasters strike and help your community -- including neighbors, kūpuna, and those who are more vulnerable -- by checking in on them as part of your disaster response plan. Disaster preparedness is our shared kuleana.”