The other thing about FEMA, my understanding is that it was supposed to move into the Department of Homeland Security... and be what it was, but also having a lot of lateral communication with all those others involved in that issue of homeland security.

In this quote, Warren Rudman, a former U.S. senator and public servant, reflects on the intended role of FEMA (the Federal Emergency Management Agency) within the broader framework of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). He points out that FEMA was not just meant to retain its original responsibilities in disaster response, but also to evolve by engaging in lateral communication—meaning active collaboration and information-sharing—with other agencies involved in homeland security. This quote underscores the importance of inter-agency cooperation in effectively managing national emergencies.

Rudman emphasizes the idea that for FEMA to be effective within the DHS, it must not operate in isolation. The integration was designed to foster a more cohesive strategy, where different parts of the government—such as intelligence, emergency response, and infrastructure protection—could work together seamlessly. Lateral communication becomes essential in such a structure, as it ensures that critical information and responsibilities do not get siloed or delayed during a crisis.

The quote also subtly critiques potential bureaucratic dysfunction. By saying “my understanding is that it was supposed to,” Rudman suggests that this vision may not have fully materialized as intended. This could be interpreted as a concern that despite formal restructuring, the communication gaps between agencies may still hinder effective homeland security and disaster preparedness.

The origin of this quote lies in the early 2000s, a period of significant reorganization in the U.S. federal government following the September 11 attacks. The Department of Homeland Security was created in 2002 to unify various agencies under one umbrella, and FEMA was later incorporated into this new department. Rudman, known for his work on national security commissions, was likely responding to public discourse around the efficiency and responsiveness of FEMA in this new structure—especially in the wake of events like Hurricane Katrina, which exposed major flaws in coordination and emergency response.