Order Code RL31999
CRS Report for Congress
Received through the CRS Web
Disaster Relief and Response:
FY2003 Supplemental Appropriations
Updated August 25, 2003
Keith Bea
Specialist, American National Government
Government and Finance Division
Congressional Research Service ˜ The Library of Congress

Disaster Relief and Response:
FY2003 Supplemental Appropriations
Summary
In the final days of July 2003, the House and Senate approved a measure (H.R.
2859) to appropriate $983.6 million for the Disaster Relief Fund (DRF) administered
by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) of the Department of
Homeland Security (DHS). The President signed the Emergency Supplemental
Appropriation for Disaster Relief Act of 2003 on August 8, 2003 (P.L. 108-69).
The Act meets the urgent funding needs reportedly facing FEMA as a result of
costly snowstorms in the winter, tornadoes in the spring, and tropical storms and
hurricanes in the summer, among other catastrophes. P.L. 108-69, however, does not
address other urgent funding needs that have been identified by the Administration
and Members of Congress in recent months. On July 7, 2003, President Bush
submitted a second supplemental appropriations request to Congress for FY2003 to
address some of those needs. The request sought $1.889 billion for three disaster
relief activities: $289 million for wildfire suppression and rehabilitation carried out
by the Departments of Agriculture and the Interior, $1.550 billion for disaster relief
administered by DHS, and $50 million for the investigation and recovery associated
with the Space Shuttle Columbia disaster. Members of Congress generally evinced
support for the request. Some, however, see the need for additional emergency
funding, including that perceived to be needed for AmeriCorps grants.
Still pending before Congress are proposals in the bill approved by the Senate
(H.R. 2657) on July 11 that would appropriate over $2 billion for several accounts,
including $1.5 billion for the DRF, $100 million for AmeriCorps, and over $300
million for wildfire suppression. Also pending is the unnumbered legislation
reported by the House Appropriations Committee on July 21 that would fund the
President’s request and provide an additional $136 million for other urgent needs.

Contents
Most Recent Developments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
Issues of Debate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
Disaster Relief Fund . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
Wildfire Management . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Space Shuttle Columbia Disaster . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Conclusion . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
List of Tables
Table 1. FY2003 Supplemental for Disaster Response and Relief,
Administration Request and Congressional Action . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
Table 2. Disaster Relief Fund, FY1974-FY2004 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Table 3. Wildfire Management Appropriations, FY1999-FY2004 . . . . . . . . . . 10

Disaster Relief and Response:
FY2003 Supplemental Appropriations
Most Recent Developments
On July 25, 2003, the House approved a supplemental appropriations measure
(H.R. 2859) that provides $983.6 million for the Disaster Relief Fund administered
by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) within the Department of
Homeland Security (DHS). During debate Members rejected an amendment to
require a rescission from discretionary accounts to compensate for the supplemental.
On July 31 the Senate approved the House-passed version of H.R. 2859. The
President signed the Emergency Supplemental Appropriation for Disaster Relief Act
of 2003 (P.L. 108-69) on August 8, 2003.
The Act addresses urgent funding needs reportedly required by FEMA in the
aftermath of costs associated with the recovery of pieces of the Space Shuttle
Columbia, tornadoes and violent storms in southern and western states, and severe
winter weather. P.L. 108-69, however, does not address other urgent needs that have
been identified by the Administration and some Members of Congress. On July 7,
2003, President Bush submitted a request for emergency supplemental appropriations
for FY2003 that totaled $1.9 billion. In addition to enacting H.R. 2859, both
chambers have taken action on this request.
On July 9, 2003, the Senate Appropriations Committee reported the FY2004
legislative branch appropriations measure (S. 1383), with the FY2003 supplemental
in Title III. The Committee added $100 million for the Corporation for National and
Community Service for operating expenses for AmeriCorps grants and for
educational awards funded from the National Service Trust, among other provisions.
The next day, July 10, the Senate incorporated the text of S. 1383 into the legislative
branch appropriations bill that had been passed by the House (H.R. 2657) on July 9.
As approved by the Senate on July 11, H.R. 2657 includes, in addition to the amount
requested and the AmeriCorps funding, $25 million more for wildfire response and
prevention and $10 million for flood prevention for the Corps of Engineers, resulting
in a total of $2.044 billion, 8.2% more than requested.
On July 21 the House Appropriations Committee reported a measure (not yet
numbered) that would fund the President’s request and also provide $136 million for
urgent needs, including $30 million more for wildfire fighting, $32 million for the
federal judiciary, $60 million for flood control projects, and roughly $15 million for
specific disasters in Michigan and the Midway Atoll. The House Committee rejected
an amendment to provide additional funding for AmeriCorps grants.

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Overview
The July 7, 2003 request by President Bush sought additional funding for three
departments and one independent agency as follows:
! $1.55 billion for the Department of Homeland Security;
! $253 million for the Department of Agriculture;
! $36 million for the Department of the Interior; and
! $50 million for the National Aeronautics and Space Administration.
The $1.55 billion request for the Department of Homeland Security (DHS),
which represents 82% of the total request, is for the Disaster Relief Fund (DRF).
Grants from the DRF aid state and local governments, certain nonprofit
organizations, and individuals and families victimized by catastrophes that
overwhelm state and local resources. State emergency management officials
maintain that supplemental funding is required because the DRF has reached “a
dangerously low level” for FY2003.
The combined budget authority requested for the Departments of Agriculture
and the Interior — $289 million (15% of the total request) — is for federal wildfire
suppression activities and the rehabilitation of burned areas, especially in the western
states. Some expect the summer wildfire season to be particularly severe due to the
ongoing drought and dry timber conditions.
The requested $50 million (3% of the total) for the National Aeronautics and
Space Administration (NASA) is for additional and unanticipated costs associated
with the recovery, investigation, and analysis of the Space Shuttle Columbia accident.
Table 1 provides summary information on the request and subsequent action by
Congress.
Table 1. FY2003 Supplemental for Disaster Response and Relief,
Administration Request and Congressional Action
($ in millions)
House
Senate
Request
Federal agency
Purpose
(July
(July
EnactedA
(July 7)
25)A
11)A
Dept. of Homeland disaster relief fund
1,550
984
1,550
Security, (DHS)
activities authorized
Emergency
by the Robert T.
Preparedness and
Stafford Disaster
Response (EPR)
Relief and
Emergency
Assistance Act
Dept. of
wildfire suppression,
253
273
Agriculture
rehabilitation of
burned areas, pest
control

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House
Senate
Request
Federal agency
Purpose
(July
(July
EnactedA
(July 7)
25)A
11)A
Dept. of the
wildfire suppression,
36
61
Interior, Bureau of rehabilitation of
Land Management burned areas
(BLM)
National
recovery and
50
50
Aeronautics and
investigation
Space
associated with Space
Administration
Shuttle Columbia
(NASA)
Corporation for
AmeriCorps grants
0
100
National and
Community
Service
Army Corps of
flood control, repair
0
10
Engineers
of facilities
Total
1,889
984
2,044
984
Source: Administration request: U.S. Office of Management and Budget, “Estimate #12, FY 2003
Emergency Supplemental: Departments of Agriculture, Homeland Security, Interior, and National
Aeronautics and Space Administration — 7/7/03,” available on the OMB website at
http://www.whitehouse.gov/omb/budget/amendments/supplemental_7_7_03.pdf, visited July 9, 2003.
Congressional action: H.R. 2657.
Notes: The Senate added authority for the Secretary of Agriculture to use $20 million of the funds of
the Commodity Credit Corporation to suppress and control a cricket infestation. Accordingly, this
table adds that amount to the $253 approved for wildfire management activities of the Department of
Agriculture.
A. P.L. 108-69 (H.R. 2859) solely appropriates $983.6 million for the Disaster Relief Fund
administered by the Department of Homeland Security. In addition to H.R. 2859, the House
Appropriations Committee reported an unnumbered bill on July 21, 2003 that would appropriate a
total of $2.016 billion in supplemental funding for FY2003. Information in the Senate column refers
to the supplemental funding included by that body in H.R. 2657.
Issues of Debate
Historically, little debate has occurred on federal disaster assistance funding
measures. Questions may be asked, however, on the types of activities to be funded
through this request, the addition of funding measures by Members of Congress for
activities not requested by the Administration, and the appropriations history of the
accounts included in the supplemental measure. For example, in addition to meeting
the Administration’s request for funding in these three areas, the Senate voted to add
$100 million to the Corporation for National and Community Service for
AmeriCorps grants, in addition to funds for other emergency activities. An

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amendment to provide similar funding was rejected by the House Appropriations
Committee on July 21, 2003.1
The remainder of this report provides background information on the activities
that would be funded under the President’s request of July 7, 2003.
Disaster Relief Fund
The Department of Homeland Security uses funds appropriated to the disaster
relief fund (DRF) to provide assistance authorized by the Stafford Act.2 Stafford Act
aid is available after the President issues a declaration that federal assistance is
needed to supplement the resources of overwhelmed states and localities.3 Federal
assistance supported by DRF money is used by states, localities, and certain non-
profit organizations to restore damaged or destroyed facilities, clear debris, and aid
individuals and families with uninsured needs, among other activities.
Few disagree about the disaster relief needs facing the nation at present. In
calendar year 2002, President Bush issued 49 major disaster declarations; thus far in
calendar year 2003, 26 such declarations have been issued, 11 of which have
involved tornadoes, some of which have proven particularly destructive. In addition,
hurricane season has begun. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
(NOAA) in the Department of Commerce has projected that this hurricane season
will likely be a “near-normal” or “above-normal” season for Atlantic coast
hurricanes, with 11 to 15 tropical storms expected, 6 to 9 of which may become
hurricanes, 2 to 4 of which could be “major hurricanes.”4
Five types of declarations may be issued by the President or the Secretary of
DHS, summarized as follows:5
1 For background on the AmeriCorps grants, see CRS Report RS20420, AmeriCorps and
Other Service Programs: Description and Funding Levels
, by Ann Lordeman.
2 The Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act, 42 U.S.C. 5121
et seq.
3 For more information on the Stafford Act and the DRF see CRS Report RL31791,
Emergency Management Funding for the Department of Homeland Security: Information
and Issues for FY2004
, by Keith Bea, Rob Buschmann, Ben Canada, Wayne Morrisey, C.
Stephen Redhead, and Shawn Reese.
4 U.S. Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration,
“NOAA: 2003 Atlantic Hurricane Outlook,” at [http://www.cpc.noaa.gov/products/
outlooks/hurricane.html], visited July 9, 2003.
5 Summaries adapted from testimony by FEMA in U.S. Congress, Committee on
Appropriations, Subcommittee on VA, HUD, and Independent Agencies, Departments of
Veterans Affairs and Housing and Urban Development, and Independent Agencies
Appropriations for 2001
, hearing, 106th Cong., 2nd sess., Feb. 29, 2000 (Washington: GPO,
2000), p. 702.

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! Major disaster. The President can declare a major disaster upon the
request of the governor of the affected state.6 A declaration
authorizes DHS to administer various federal disaster assistance
programs for victims of declared disasters. Each declaration
specifies the type of incident covered, the time period covered, the
types of disaster assistance available, the counties affected by the
declaration, and also identifies the Federal Coordinating Officer.
! Emergency. The declaration process for emergencies is the same
as for major disasters; however, an emergency declaration authorizes
only emergency response activities, debris removal, and disaster
housing programs. DRF expenditures for an emergency are limited
to $5 million per declaration, unless Congress is notified otherwise.
! Fire suppression. The Secretary of DHS is authorized to provide
fire suppression assistance to supplement the resources of
communities when fires threaten such destruction as would warrant
a major disaster declaration.
! Defense emergency. Upon request from the governor of an affected
state, the President may authorize the Department of Defense (DoD)
to carry out emergency work for a period not to exceed 10 days.
DoD emergency work is limited to work essential for the
preservation of life and property.
! Pre-declaration activities. When a situation threatens human
health and safety, and a disaster is imminent but not yet declared, the
Secretary of DHS may place agency employees on alert. DHS
monitors the status of the situation, communicates with state
emergency officials on potential assistance requirements, and
deploys teams and resources to maximize the speed and
effectiveness of the anticipated federal response and, when
necessary, performs preparedness and preliminary damage
assessment activities.
The Homeland Security Act of 2002 (P.L. 107-296) transferred the authorities
and functions previously carried out by the Federal Emergency Management Agency
(FEMA) to DHS and charged the Secretary of Homeland Security with responsibility
for administering these activities. Some of that authority apparently has been
delegated to the Under Secretary for Emergency Preparedness and Response within
DHS.
A major disaster declaration, which may be issued only by the President, makes
available the full range of federal disaster relief assistance to stricken counties and
cities. Some types of assistance available under a major disaster declaration include
the repair, replacement, or reconstruction of public and nonprofit facilities, cash
grants for personal needs of victims, temporary housing vouchers or replacement
6 For criteria considered in the declaration of a major disaster, see 44 CFR 206.48.

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accommodations, and unemployment assistance related to the disaster.7 By
comparison, an emergency declaration authorizes less assistance.8 The costs of major
disasters exceed those associated with the other four declarations.
Table 2 of this report lists appropriations made to the DRF since 1974, the first
year in which the current span of federal assistance was provided by the federal
government. Prior to FY1989, supplemental appropriations made to the DRF were
approved infrequently and generally exceeded the amount originally appropriated in
each fiscal year by roughly $100 or $200 million.9 By comparison, since FY1989,
appropriations have exceeded $1 billion in each fiscal year and supplemental
appropriations have been approved in all but FY1991 and FY2000.
The last two columns of Table 2 show that a similar growth pattern has
developed for outlays from the DRF. Prior to FY1989, outlays from the DRF
averaged $568 million, and on only two occasions (Hurricane Frederic in FY1978
and the eruption of Mt. St. Helens in FY1980) exceeded $1 billion. Since 1989,
however, average annual outlays have exceeded $2 billion, due to significant
hurricanes (Hugo in FY1989, Andrew in FY1992, Floyd in FY1999), earthquakes
(Loma Prieta in FY1990, Northridge in FY1994), floods (Midwest floods of 1993,
Red River floods of 1995), and the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001. During
FY2002, FEMA distributed almost $4 billion in disaster relief to 32 states (and
territories) in response to 42 major disaster declarations.10 Since 1989, roughly $37
billion constant dollars has been provided in disaster relief, more than three-quarters
of the $47 billion provided since 1974.
7 For statutory provisions that authorize the assistance to be provided under the Stafford Act
see Title IV of the Act at [http://www.fema.gov/library/stafact.shtm], visited July 11, 2003.
8 For a comparison of the types of assistance authorized for major disasters, see Title IV of
the Stafford Act, 42 U.S.C. 401-422, and for emergencies, see Title V of the Stafford Act,
42 U.S.C. 5191-5193.
9 An exception occurred in FY1980 after the eruption of Mt. St. Helens.
10 U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Emergency Preparedness and Response
Justification of Estimates Fiscal Year 2004
, (Washington: 2003), p. S-1.

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Table 2. Disaster Relief Fund, FY1974-FY2004
(millions of dollars, 2002 constant dollars)
Appropriations
Total appropriations
Outlays
FY
A Req.
Orig.
Supp. Nominal
Constant
Nominal
Constant
1974
100
200
232
433
1,483
250
857
1975
100
150
50
200
624
206
643
1976
187
187
0
187
552
362
1,067
1977
100
100
200
300
830
294
813
1978
150
115
300
415
1,077
461
1,196
1979
200
200
194
394
938
277
660
1980
194
194
870
1,064
2,278
574
1,229
1981
375
358 0
358
698
401
780
1982
400
302 0
302
552
115
211
1983
325
130
0
130
228
202
354
1984
0
0
0
0
0
243
408
1985
100
100
0
100
161
192
309
1986
194
100
250
350
549
335
527
1987
100
120
B0
120
181
219
330
1988
125
120
0
C120
175
187
273
1989
200
100
D1,108
1,208
1,705
140
198
1990
270
98
E1,150
1,248
1,686
1,333
1,800
1991
270
0
0
0
0
552
724
1992
F184
185
4,136
G4,321
5,568
902
1,162
1993
292
292
2,000
H2,292
2,880
2,276
2,860
1994
I1,154
292
J4,709
5,001
6,121
3,743
4,582
1995
320
320
K3,275
3,595
4,277
2,116
2,518
1996
320
222
K2,275
2,497
2,905
2,232
2,596
1997
320
L1,320
L3,300
4,620
5,239
2,551
2,893
1998
M2,708
320
N1,600
1,920
2,141
3,252
3,626
1999
O2,566
P1,214
Q1,130
2,344
2,541
3,746
4,060
2000
2,780
R2,780
0
2,780
2,888
2,628
2,730
2001
2,909
300
S,T4,383
4,677
4,730
3,220
3,257
2002
1,366
2,164
U7,008
9,172
9,172
3,947
3,947
2003
1,843
800
V984 1,784
1,784 W5,094

2004
1,956




W3,518

Total
22,108
12,784
39,154
52,732
63,163
45,568
46,609
Sources: U.S. President annual budget documents; appropriations legislation; U.S. Federal
Emergency Management Agency budget justifications. Constant dollar calculations: U.S. Dept. of
Commerce, Bureau of Economic Analysis, State and local government chain-type price index, Table
7.11, found at [http://www.bea.doc.gov/bea/dn/nipaweb/SelectTable.asp?Selected=N#S7], visited Feb.
25, 2003.

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A Data in the request column generally represent the first budget request submitted by the
Administration each year and do not include amended or supplemental requests. However, note
additional detail in this column.
B In February 1987, a total of $57,475,000 was rescinded and transferred from the DRF to the
Emergency Food and Shelter Program account (P.L. 100-6). That amount was returned to the fund
the same year in supplemental appropriations legislation enacted in July 1987 (P.L. 100-71).
C P.L. 100-202, the Continuing Appropriations Act for Fiscal Year 1988, appropriated $120 million
for disaster relief. According to FEMA, the original appropriation for that fiscal year was $125
million, but $5 million was transferred to the Department of Labor for “low income agriculture
workers.”
D Supplemental funds were included in P.L. 101-100, continuing appropriations legislation enacted
after Hurricane Hugo struck in September 1989. According to FEMA, this amount was “referred to
as a supplemental but was an increase in the original appropriation during a continuing resolution.”
E P.L. 101-130, enacted after the Loma Prieta earthquake, appropriated $1.1 billion in supplemental
funding for FY1990. In addition, $50 million was appropriated in P.L. 101-302, dire emergency
supplemental appropriations legislation. Table 2 does not reflect a $2.5 million transfer from the
President’s unanticipated needs fund.
F FY1992 request does not include the budget amendment of $90 million submitted by the
Administration.
G Appropriations for FY1992 included a $943 million dire emergency supplemental in P.L. 102-229,
enacted in the fall of 1991 after Hurricane Bob; $300 million after the Los Angeles riots and flooding
in Chicago (spring of 1992) in P.L. 102-302; and $2.893 billion in P.L. 102-368 after Hurricanes
Andrew and Iniki, Typhoon Omar, and other disasters.
H Total for FY1993 includes the $2 billion supplemental approved after the Midwest floods of 1993
(P.L. 103-75).
I The original FY1994 budget request was $292 million. On July 29, 1993, a supplemental request
of $862 million was sent by President Clinton to Congress.
J Supplemental appropriations for FY1994 enacted after the Northridge earthquake struck Los
Angeles (P.L. 103-211).
K Additional supplemental appropriation approved for Northridge earthquake costs (P.L. 104-19) for
FY1995, with the same amount ($3.275 billion) reserved for a contingency fund for FY1996.
However, $1 billion of the contingency fund was rescinded in FY1996 omnibus appropriations, P.L.
104-134. In the same legislation, another $7 million was also appropriated to other FEMA accounts
for costs associated with the bombing of the Alfred P. Murrah federal building in Oklahoma City.
L The FY1998 budget appendix (p. 1047) noted a transfer of $104 million from the disaster relief fund
in FY1996. In the FY1997 appropriations act (P.L. 104-204), $1 billion that had been rescinded in
FY1996 (P.L. 104-134) was restored, and $320 million in new funds were appropriated. Supplemental
appropriations of $3.3 billion were approved in P.L. 105-18 after flooding in the Dakotas and
Minnesota, and after storms in other states were declared major disasters. The legislation specified,
however, that of the total, $2.3 billion was to be available in FY1998 only when FEMA submitted a
cost control report to Congress. This requirement was met, and the funding was made available in
FY1998.
M The FY1998 request consisted of a $320 million base amount plus $2.388 billion “to address actual
and projected requirements from 1997 and prior year declarations.” (Budget Appendix FY1998, p.
1047).
N Supplemental appropriations legislation (P.L. 105-174) for FY1998 approved for flooding associated
with El Niño and other disasters.

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O The FY1999 request consisted of $307,745,000 for the DRF and an additional $2,258,485,000 in
contingency funding to be available when designated as an emergency requirement under the Balanced
Budget Act of 1985, as amended.
P The FY1999 omnibus appropriations act (P.L. 105-277) included funds for costs associated with
Hurricane Georges, flooding associated with El Niño, and other disasters.
Q Emergency supplemental appropriations for FY1999 (P.L. 106-31) included $900 million for
tornado damages as well as $230 million for unmet needs, subject to allocation directions in the
conference report (H.Rept. 106-143).
R FY2000 appropriations act (P.L. 106-74) included disaster relief funding as follows: $300 million
in regular appropriations and $2.5 billion designated as emergency spending for costs associated with
Hurricane Floyd and other disasters. In addition, the Consolidated Appropriations Act (P.L. 106-113)
authorized the Director of FEMA to use up to $215 million in disaster relief funds appropriated in P.L.
106-74 for the purchase of residences flooded by Hurricane Floyd, under specified conditions.
S Supplemental appropriations legislation (P.L. 106-246) authorized that $77 million from the DRF
to be used for buyout and relocation assistance for victims of Hurricane Floyd. The Act also
appropriated $500 million in a separate account for claim compensation and administrative costs
associated with the Cerro Grande fire that destroyed much of Los Alamos, New Mexico.
T P.L. 107-38 appropriated $40 billion in response to the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001.
Pursuant to the statute, these funds for FY2001 were allocated by the Office of Management Budget
from the Emergency Response Fund (ERF). Of the total appropriated in P.L. 107-38 after the
September 11 attacks, $4.4 billion were allocated for FY2001 through P.L. 107-117 (115 Stat. 2338).
U Congress appropriated $2.651 billion for FY2002 in P.L. 107-206 to meet additional needs
associated with the terrorist attacks. Funds for FY2002 also include $4.4 billion provided from the
ERF, largely for recovery costs in New York City.
V P.L. 108-69, the Emergency Supplemental Appropriations for Disaster Relief Act of 2003, to meet
needs associated with tornadoes, winter storms, the recovery of the Space Shuttle Columbia, and other
disasters.
W Outlay data based on current estimates.
Wildfire Management
The 2000 and 2002 fire seasons were, by most standards, among the worst in
the past 50 years. Many argue that the threat of severe wildfires has grown because
many forests have unnaturally high fuel loads (e.g., dead trees and dense
undergrowth) and an historically unnatural mix of plant species (e.g., selectively
logged or containing exotic invaders). Fuel treatments have been proposed to reduce
the threats from wildfires, including prescribed burning, commercial logging, and
other treatments (e.g., pre-commercial thinning). Proponents of fuel reduction argue
that needed treatments often are delayed by environmental studies, administrative
appeals, and litigation. However, many project opponents fear that simplifying fuel
reduction projects could enable timber companies to increase logging on federal
lands and that such projects might not receive proper environmental review.11
11 For more information see CRS Issue Brief IB10076, Public (BLM) Lands and National
Forests,
Ross W. Gorte and Carol Hardy Vincent, coordinators and CRS Report RS21544,
Wildfire Protection Funding, by Ross W. Gorte.

CRS-10
In response to the succession of wildfires, Congress has appropriated more
funds for wildfire management in each successive fiscal year since FY1999, as
shown below in Table 3.
Table 3. Wildfire Management Appropriations, FY1999-FY2004
($ in millions)
FY200
FY2004
Agency
FY1999
0
FY2001
FY2002
FY2003
Request
Forest Service
722.4
1,008.0
1,882.8
1,560.3
2,007.0
1,541.8
Bureau of Land Mgt.
336.9
591.0
977.1
678.4
839.2
698.7
Total Wildfire
1,059.3
1,598.9
2,859.9
2,238.8
2,846.1
2,240.5
Source: CRS Report RS21544, Wildfire Protection Funding by Ross W. Gorte.
Space Shuttle Columbia Disaster
On February 1, 2003, NASA’s Space Shuttle Columbia broke apart while
returning to Earth from a 16-day science mission in orbit. All seven astronauts — six
Americans and one Israeli — were killed. An investigation began immediately after
the disaster occurred and continues. Three hearings have been held on the Columbia
disaster to date, and more are expected once the Columbia Accident Investigation
Board releases its report later this summer. The Consolidated Appropriations
Resolution for FY2003 (P.L. 108-7) included $50 million for the recovery and
investigation of the disaster. The President’s request includes an additional $50
million for those costs.12
Conclusion
The activities included in the President’s second FY2003 supplemental
request — funding needs for wildfires, disasters, and the Columbia disaster — appear
relatively noncontroversial. Debate has already occurred, and may continue, on
additional funds sought by Members of Congress for activities not requested by the
President, notably funding for AmeriCorps grants. Congress and the Administration
agreed to a measure (P.L. 108-69) in the final days of July 2003, to ensure that the
Disaster Relief Fund administered by DHS has sufficient funds on hand to meet the
needs of disaster-stricken communities. Funding not included in H.R. 2859 may
continue to be a matter of debate as Members seek supplemental appropriations for
the Corporation for National and Community Service, wildfire suppression, and other
federal activities.
12 For more information see CRS Report RS21408, NASA’s Space Shuttle Columbia: Quick
Facts and Issues for Congress
, by Marcia S. Smith. CRS Report RL31821, The National
Aeronautics and Space Administration’s FY2004 Budget Request: Description, Analysis,
and Issues for Congress
, by Marcia S. Smith, Daniel Morgan, and Wendy Schacht.