Does Homeland Security Need to Consider Childrens' Needs in its Disaster Planning? (H.R. 1372)

What is H.R. 1372?

(Updated May 24, 2018)

This bill would require the Dept. of Homeland Security (DHS) to incorporate children’s needs into its disaster preparedness planning. DHS would be allowed to review and incorporate feedback from groups representing children into its department-wide policies, and would hire a technical expert to work children’s needs into DHS’ preparation, mitigation, response, and recovery activities.

DHS would be required to provide a report to congressional committees with jurisdiction over homeland security on its efforts to incorporate the needs of children into the agency’s policies, programs, and activities.

Argument in favor

Children are among the most vulnerable groups in society when disaster strikes, and have unique physical and emotional needs that need to be taken into account to prevent mental long-term mental trauma.

Argument opposed

The Dept. of Homeland Security needs to make disaster response plans that include all Americans, and while children have unique needs it’s unnecessary to consider them at length when planning.

Impact

Children affected by disasters; and DHS.

Cost of H.R. 1372

A CBO cost estimate is unavailable.

Additional Info

In-Depth: Sponsoring Rep. Donald Payne (D-NJ) introduced this bill to require the Dept. of Homeland Security to take the needs of children into account in its disaster preparedness plans:

“The unique needs of children — physical, mental, and emotional — are too often an afterthought when it comes to disaster preparedness planning. When those needs aren’t considered, children are put at greater risk of both harm during an emergency and of long-term trauma. Children are put at greater risk of both harm during an emergency and long-term trauma. Children are the most vulnerable during disasters, and emergency planning must reflect that.”

This legislation passed the House Homeland Security Committee on a voice vote, and has the support of two bipartisan cosponsors in the House.

Media:

• Sponsoring Rep. Donald Payne (D-NJ) Press Release