The National Commission on Children and Disasters was authorized under the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2008, signed into law by President Bush on December 26, 2008.
The purpose of the Commission
- to conduct a comprehensive study that examines and assesses childen's needs as they relate to preparation for, response to, and recover from all hazards, including major disasters and emergencies.
- to identify, review and evaluate existing laws, regulations, policies and programs relevant to such needs.
- to identify, review and evaluate the lessons learned from past disasters relative to addressing such needs.
- to report to the President and Congress on its findings and recommendations to address such needs, including the need for a national resource center on children and disasters, coordination of resources and services, administrative actions, policies, regulations and legislative changes.
The Commission is compromised of 10 members. The President and congressional leaders appoint 2 commissioners each. At present 6 of 10 have been appointed. President Bush and House Republican Leader Boehner are vetting their nominees.
The expertise represented on the Commission is diverse and drawn from multiple professions and disciplines related to serving the unique needs of children affected by disasters.
Timeline of Commission operations The Commission may not officially meet until all 10 members are appointed. Once the Commission is fully constituted:
- within 30 days, members meet to elect a Chairperson and Vice-Chairperson
- within 120 days, the Commission shall meet and begin operations
- within 1 year of the first meeting, the Commission shall issue an Interim Report to the President and Congress
- within 2 years of the first meeting, the Commission shall issue its Final Report to the President and Congress
- The Commission shall terminate 180 days after the Final Report is submitted
Powers of the Commission
- hold hearings
- request information from federal agencies
- receive administrative support from the general services administration and other federal departments
- enter into contracts
- accept postal service in same manner as a federal department
Staffing
- The Chairperson, in consultation with the Vice Chairperson, may appoint and fix the compensation of a staff director and other personnel
- The Chairperson may request staff from federal agencies to assist the Commission
- The Commission may procure the services of experts and consultants
Funding Authorised at $1.5 million for each federal fiscal years of 2008 and 2009. A federal fiscal year is October 1st to September 30th of the following year.
The US Department of Health and Human Services has appropriated $500,000 for FY 2008 and $1,000,000 for FY 2009 to operate the Commission.