[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 148 (Tuesday, October 2, 2007)]
[Senate]
[Pages S12449-S12450]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




      INTERNATIONAL EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT ASSISTANCE MEMORANDUM OF 
                             UNDERSTANDING

  Mr. BROWN. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the Senate 
proceed to the immediate consideration of Calendar No. 397, S.J. Res. 
13.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. The clerk will report the resolution by title.
  The legislative clerk read as follows:

       A joint resolution (S.J. Res. 13) granting the consent of 
     Congress to the International Emergency Management Assistance 
     Memorandum of Understanding.

  There being no objection, the Senate proceeded to consider the joint 
resolution.
  Mr. LEAHY. Mr. President, this joint resolution reflects the best 
traditions of international cooperation between our nation and our 
Canadian neighbors to the north.
  Formally, this joint resolution would grant the consent of Congress 
to the International Emergency Management Assistance Memorandum of 
Understanding, which allows emergency responders from the United States 
and Canada to help each other across our shared border during natural 
disasters and other serious emergencies. But beyond this legal 
formality, this agreement reflects our longstanding cooperative 
partnership with Canada, and how, in times of emergency or natural 
disaster, we respond together, as neighbors across a largely unguarded 
border.
  When our communities need help, we must join together and come to 
their aid, whether or not a border is drawn between us. This agreement 
allows us to honor the extraordinary tradition of international 
cooperation and good will between our nations, and will make the 
citizens of both the United States and Canada more secure and safer.
  We must all do our best to prepare for the most serious emergencies 
that can harm our communities. These crises may arise from natural or 
manmade disasters, from technological hazards, civil emergencies, or 
even terrorist events. As those who live in the Northeast know, extreme 
weather is not uncommon in New England, or in the eastern Provinces of 
Canada, and we have endured catastrophic blizzards and ice storms as 
recently as this winter that have closed roads and highways, shut down 
power for extended periods, and stranded travelers and rural residents 
for days, or longer. Under this agreement, first responders and 
emergency management professionals from the United States and Canada 
can work together to provide the necessary assistance to secure public 
safety.
  This compact works well for New England and the eastern Canadian 
Provinces, and it stands as a model for emergency management planning 
and cooperation. It has the support of all the emergency management 
directors in the New England States, and the bipartisan support of all 
of the New England Senators who have joined me and Senator Snowe to 
cosponsor this resolution. It is a crucial element of the security and 
safety planning for all communities in New England and eastern Canada.
  Mr. BROWN. I ask unanimous consent that the joint resolution be read 
a third time and passed, the motion to reconsider be laid on the table 
with no intervening action or debate, and any statements be printed in 
the Record.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered.
  The joint resolution (S.J. Res. 13) was ordered to be engrossed for a 
third reading, was read the third time, and passed, as follows:

                              S.J. Res. 13

       Resolved by the Senate and House of Representatives of the 
     United States of America in Congress assembled,

     SECTION 1. CONGRESSIONAL CONSENT.

       Congress consents to the International Emergency Management 
     Assistance Memorandum of Understanding entered into between 
     the States of Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, Massachusetts, 
     Rhode Island, and Connecticut and the Provinces of Quebec, 
     New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island, Nova Scotia and 
     Newfoundland. The compact is substantially as follows:

     ``Article I--International Emergency Management Assistance 
       Memorandum of Understanding Purpose and Authorities

       ``The International Emergency Management Assistance 
     Memorandum of Understanding, hereinafter referred to as the 
     `compact,' is made and entered into by and among such of the 
     jurisdictions as shall enact or adopt this compact, 
     hereinafter referred to as `party jurisdictions.' For the 
     purposes of this agreement, the term `jurisdictions' may 
     include any or all of the States of Maine, New Hampshire, 
     Vermont, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, and Connecticut and the 
     Provinces of Quebec, New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island, 
     Nova Scotia and Newfoundland, and such other states and 
     provinces as may hereafter become a party to this compact.
       ``The purpose of this compact is to provide for the 
     possibility of mutual assistance among the jurisdictions 
     entering into this compact in managing any emergency or 
     disaster when the affected jurisdiction or jurisdictions ask 
     for assistance, whether arising from natural disaster, 
     technological hazard, manmade disaster or civil emergency 
     aspects of resources shortages.
       ``This compact also provides for the process of planning 
     mechanisms among the agencies responsible and for mutual 
     cooperation, including, if need be, emergency-related 
     exercises, testing, or other training activities using 
     equipment and personnel simulating performance of any aspect 
     of the giving and receiving of aid by party jurisdictions or 
     subdivisions of party jurisdictions during emergencies, with 
     such actions occurring outside actual declared emergency 
     periods. Mutual assistance in this compact may include the 
     use of emergency forces by mutual agreement among party 
     jurisdictions.

     ``Article II--General Implementation

       ``Each party jurisdiction entering into this compact 
     recognizes that many emergencies may exceed the capabilities 
     of a party jurisdiction and that intergovernmental 
     cooperation is essential in such circumstances. Each 
     jurisdiction further recognizes that there will be 
     emergencies that may require immediate access and present 
     procedures to apply outside resources to make a prompt and 
     effective response to such an emergency because few, if any, 
     individual jurisdictions have all the resources they need in 
     all types of emergencies or the capability of delivering 
     resources to areas where emergencies exist.
       ``The prompt, full, and effective utilization of resources 
     of the participating jurisdictions, including any resources 
     on hand or available from any other source that are essential 
     to the safety, care, and welfare of the people in the event 
     of any emergency or disaster, shall be the underlying 
     principle on which all articles of this compact are 
     understood.
       ``On behalf of the party jurisdictions participating in the 
     compact, the legally designated official who is assigned 
     responsibility for emergency management is responsible for 
     formulation of the appropriate inter-jurisdictional mutual 
     aid plans and procedures necessary to implement this compact, 
     and for recommendations to the jurisdiction concerned with 
     respect to the amendment of any statutes, regulations, or 
     ordinances required for that purpose.

     ``Article III--Party Jurisdiction Responsibilities

       ``(a) Formulate Plans and Programs.--It is the 
     responsibility of each party jurisdiction to formulate 
     procedural plans and programs for inter-jurisdictional 
     cooperation in the performance of the responsibilities listed 
     in this section. In formulating and implementing such plans 
     and programs the party jurisdictions, to the extent 
     practical, shall--
       ``(1) review individual jurisdiction hazards analyses that 
     are available and, to the extent reasonably possible, 
     determine all those potential emergencies the party 
     jurisdictions might jointly suffer, whether due to natural 
     disaster, technological hazard, man-made disaster or 
     emergency aspects of resource shortages;
       ``(2) initiate a process to review party jurisdictions' 
     individual emergency plans and develop a plan that will 
     determine the mechanism for the inter-jurisdictional 
     cooperation;
       ``(3) develop inter-jurisdictional procedures to fill any 
     identified gaps and to resolve any identified inconsistencies 
     or overlaps in existing or developed plans;
       ``(4) assist in warning communities adjacent to or crossing 
     jurisdictional boundaries;
       ``(5) protect and ensure delivery of services, medicines, 
     water, food, energy and fuel,

[[Page S12450]]

     search and rescue, and critical lifeline equipment, services 
     and resources, both human and material to the extent 
     authorized by law;
       ``(6) inventory and agree upon procedures for the inter-
     jurisdictional loan and delivery of human and material 
     resources, together with procedures for reimbursement or 
     forgiveness; and
       ``(7) provide, to the extent authorized by law, for 
     temporary suspension of any statutes or ordinances, over 
     which the province or state has jurisdiction, that impede the 
     implementation of the responsibilities described in this 
     subsection.
       ``(b) Request Assistance.--The authorized representative of 
     a party jurisdiction may request assistance of another party 
     jurisdiction by contacting the authorized representative of 
     that jurisdiction. These provisions only apply to requests 
     for assistance made by and to authorized representatives. 
     Requests may be verbal or in writing. If verbal, the request 
     must be confirmed in writing within 15 days of the verbal 
     request. Requests must provide the following information:
       ``(1) A description of the emergency service function for 
     which assistance is needed and of the mission or missions, 
     including but not limited to fire services, emergency 
     medical, transportation, communications, public works and 
     engineering, building inspection, planning and information 
     assistance, mass care, resource support, health and medical 
     services, and search and rescue.
       ``(2) The amount and type of personnel, equipment, 
     materials, and supplies needed and a reasonable estimate of 
     the length of time they will be needed.
       ``(3) The specific place and time for staging of the 
     assisting party's response and a point of contact at the 
     location.
       ``(c) Consultation Among Party Jurisdiction Officials.--
     There shall be frequent consultation among the party 
     jurisdiction officials who have assigned emergency management 
     responsibilities, such officials collectively known 
     hereinafter as the International Emergency Management Group, 
     and other appropriate representatives of the party 
     jurisdictions with free exchange of information, plans, and 
     resource records relating to emergency capabilities to the 
     extent authorized by law.

     ``Article IV--Limitation

       ``Any party jurisdiction requested to render mutual aid or 
     conduct exercises and training for mutual aid shall undertake 
     to respond as soon as possible, except that it is understood 
     that the jurisdiction rendering aid may withhold or recall 
     resources to the extent necessary to provide reasonable 
     protection for that jurisdiction. Each party jurisdiction 
     shall afford to the personnel of the emergency forces of any 
     party jurisdiction, while operating within its jurisdictional 
     limits under the terms and conditions of this compact and 
     under the operational control of an officer of the requesting 
     party, the same powers, duties, rights, privileges, and 
     immunities as are afforded similar or like forces of the 
     jurisdiction in which they are performing emergency services. 
     Emergency forces continue under the command and control of 
     their regular leaders, but the organizational units come 
     under the operational control of the emergency services 
     authorities of the jurisdiction receiving assistance. These 
     conditions may be activated, as needed, by the jurisdiction 
     that is to receive assistance or upon commencement of 
     exercises or training for mutual aid and continue as long as 
     the exercises or training for mutual aid are in progress, the 
     emergency or disaster remains in effect or loaned resources 
     remain in the receiving jurisdiction or jurisdictions, 
     whichever is longer. The receiving jurisdiction is 
     responsible for informing the assisting jurisdictions of the 
     specific moment when services will no longer be required.

     ``Article V--Licenses and Permits

       ``Whenever a person holds a license, certificate, or other 
     permit issued by any jurisdiction party to the compact 
     evidencing the meeting of qualifications for professional, 
     mechanical, or other skills, and when such assistance is 
     requested by the receiving party jurisdiction, such person is 
     deemed to be licensed, certified, or permitted by the 
     jurisdiction requesting assistance to render aid involving 
     such skill to meet an emergency or disaster, subject to such 
     limitations and conditions as the requesting jurisdiction 
     prescribes by Executive order or otherwise.

     ``Article VI--Liability

       ``Any person or entity of a party jurisdiction rendering 
     aid in another jurisdiction pursuant to this compact are 
     considered agents of the requesting jurisdiction for tort 
     liability and immunity purposes. Any person or entity 
     rendering aid in another jurisdiction pursuant to this 
     compact are not liable on account of any act or omission in 
     good faith on the part of such forces while so engaged or on 
     account of the maintenance or use of any equipment or 
     supplies in connection therewith. Good faith in this article 
     does not include willful misconduct, gross negligence, or 
     recklessness.

     ``Article VII--Supplementary Agreements

       ``Because it is probable that the pattern and detail of the 
     machinery for mutual aid among 2 or more jurisdictions may 
     differ from that among the jurisdictions that are party to 
     this compact, this compact contains elements of a broad base 
     common to all jurisdictions, and nothing in this compact 
     precludes any jurisdiction from entering into supplementary 
     agreements with another jurisdiction or affects any other 
     agreements already in force among jurisdictions. 
     Supplementary agreements may include, but are not limited to, 
     provisions for evacuation and reception of injured and other 
     persons and the exchange of medical, fire, public utility, 
     reconnaissance, welfare, transportation and communications 
     personnel, equipment, and supplies.

     ``Article VIII--Workers' Compensation and Death Benefits

       ``Each party jurisdiction shall provide, in accordance with 
     its own laws, for the payment of workers' compensation and 
     death benefits to injured members of the emergency forces of 
     that jurisdiction and to representatives of deceased members 
     of those forces if the members sustain injuries or are killed 
     while rendering aid pursuant to this compact, in the same 
     manner and on the same terms as if the injury or death were 
     sustained within their own jurisdiction.

     ``Article IX--Reimbursement

       ``Any party jurisdiction rendering aid in another 
     jurisdiction pursuant to this compact shall, if requested, be 
     reimbursed by the party jurisdiction receiving such aid for 
     any loss or damage to, or expense incurred in, the operation 
     of any equipment and the provision of any service in 
     answering a request for aid and for the costs incurred in 
     connection with those requests. An aiding party jurisdiction 
     may assume in whole or in part any such loss, damage, 
     expense, or other cost or may loan such equipment or donate 
     such services to the receiving party jurisdiction without 
     charge or cost. Any 2 or more party jurisdictions may enter 
     into supplementary agreements establishing a different 
     allocation of costs among those jurisdictions. Expenses under 
     article VIII are not reimbursable under this section.

     ``Article X--Evacuation

       ``Each party jurisdiction shall initiate a process to 
     prepare and maintain plans to facilitate the movement of and 
     reception of evacuees into its territory or across its 
     territory, according to its capabilities and powers. The 
     party jurisdiction from which the evacuees came shall assume 
     the ultimate responsibility for the support of the evacuees, 
     and after the termination of the emergency or disaster, for 
     the repatriation of such evacuees.

     ``Article XI--Implementation

       ``(a) This compact is effective upon its execution or 
     adoption by any 2 jurisdictions, and is effective as to any 
     other jurisdiction upon its execution or adoption thereby: 
     subject to approval or authorization by the United States 
     Congress, if required, and subject to enactment of provincial 
     or State legislation that may be required for the 
     effectiveness of the Memorandum of Understanding.
       ``(b) Any party jurisdiction may withdraw from this 
     compact, but the withdrawal does not take effect until 30 
     days after the governor or premier of the withdrawing 
     jurisdiction has given notice in writing of such withdrawal 
     to the governors or premiers of all other party 
     jurisdictions. The action does not relieve the withdrawing 
     jurisdiction from obligations assumed under this compact 
     prior to the effective date of withdrawal.
       ``(c) Duly authenticated copies of this compact in the 
     French and English languages and of such supplementary 
     agreements as may be entered into shall, at the time of their 
     approval, be deposited with each of the party jurisdictions.

     ``Article XII--Severability

       ``This compact is construed to effectuate the purposes 
     stated in Article I. If any provision of this compact is 
     declared unconstitutional or the applicability of the compact 
     to any person or circumstances is held invalid, the validity 
     of the remainder of this compact and the applicability of the 
     compact to other persons and circumstances are not affected.

     ``Article XIII--Consistency of Language

       ``The validity of the arrangements and agreements consented 
     to in this compact shall not be affected by any insubstantial 
     difference in form or language as may be adopted by the 
     various states and provinces.

     ``Article XIV--Amendment

       ``This compact may be amended by agreement of the party 
     jurisdictions.''.

     SEC. 2. INCONSISTENCY OF LANGUAGE.

       The validity of the arrangements consented to by this Act 
     shall not be affected by any insubstantial difference in 
     their form or language as adopted by the States and 
     provinces.

     SEC. 3. RIGHT TO ALTER, AMEND, OR REPEAL.

       The right to alter, amend, or repeal this Act is hereby 
     expressly reserved.

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