U.S. Chamber Applauds National Response Plan

WASHINGTON, D.C. – The United States Chamber of Commerce applauded the Department of Homeland Security's new National Response Plan that, for the first time, creates a unified approach to all national security hazards.

"The business community is encouraged by the plan's embrace of the private sector as a full partner in national response planning," said Andrew Howell, Chamber vice president of homeland security. "This long overdue change defines private sector roles and responsibilities that have previously been established in an ad hoc manner once a crisis has occurred. By setting out roles now, the private sector's expertise and resources will be better utilized."

The Department of Homeland Security's response plan will unify the management activities around incidents – both terrorist and natural disasters – and includes prevention and preparedness planning, response planning and recovery. The Chamber expects to work with the Department of Homeland Security to continually improve the response plan so that it reflects a shared vision for responding to all hazards within the U.S.

"A strong ongoing partnership between the federal government and the business community is vital, in all aspects of homeland security," added Howell. "Whether that means faster implementation times for regulations on cross-border traffic or improving cargo security, we look forward to working with the administration and Congress."

The U.S. Chamber of Commerce is the world's largest business federation representing more than three million businesses and organizations of every size, sector and region.

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05-08