WASHINGTON -- United States Senator Mary Landrieu, D-La., today commented on the nomination of the Director of the Florida Division of Emergency Management Craig Fugate as the new FEMA Administrator. Mr. Fugate has more than 20 years of experience managing disasters and working with FEMA, and has overseen Florida's hurricane response, recovery, preparedness and mitigation since 2001. In 2004, he led the response when Florida was impacted by four major hurricanes setting a record in both the number of storms to make landfall and damages sustained by the state of Florida.

Sen. Landrieu said the following:

"President Obama's selection of Craig Fugate is a strong choice to head FEMA, an organization that requires a qualified and experienced leader. Mr. Fugate has tremendous knowledge of disaster management and has worked closely with FEMA on the ground. His work throughout the eight major hurricanes that hit Florida in 2004 and 2005 is a testament to his qualifications for this role.

"Mr. Fugate will join me, and Secretaries Napolitano and Donovan in New Orleans tomorrow as we tour the region. This trip will serve as a stark reminder of the ongoing needs of the Gulf Coast region and the importance of a FEMA that works.

"The investigation into FEMA's failed disaster housing response following Hurricanes Katrina and Rita — which was released by my Disaster Recovery Subcommittee last week — provides a blueprint to reform the government's housing response. I welcome the experience Mr. Fugate brings to the table and look forward to working with him to build a stronger, smarter and better FEMA that is well-equipped to expertly handle all aspects of future disasters as soon as possible."