International Disasters: How the United States Responds

Publication Date: April 2001

Publisher: Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

Author(s):

Research Area: International relations

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Abstract:

The President can provide and fund emergency humanitarian assistance through several sources authorized and appropriated by Congress. These are: funds appropriated to the Office of Foreign Disaster Administration (OFDA) in the Agency for International Development (FY2001 appropriations of $299 million), U.S. Department of Agriculture food aid programs under P.L. 480 Food for Peace (FY2001 appropriations of $837 million) and section 416 (b) of the Agriculture Act of 1949, the State Department Emergency Refugee and Migration Account, a contingency account which can contain as much as $100 million for assistance to refugees fleeing persecution, and funds appropriated to the Department of Defense, Office of Humanitarian and Refugee Affairs (FY2001 appropriation of $55.9 million). These funds are also available for some nonemergency programs.

In addition, the President has the authority to draw down defense equipment and direct military personnel to respond to disasters and provide space available transportation on military aircraft and ships to private donors who wish to transport humanitarian goods and equipment in response to a disaster. Finally, he can request other government agencies to assist within their capabilities.