Resilience - The Reform Institute Issues Report

(2008-10-03 10:29:00.0)

Reform Institute. Building A Resilient Nation: Enhancing Security, Ensuring a Strong Economy. Alexandria VA: The Reform Institute, September 25, 2008, 36 pages. From Oct 1, 2008 Press Release entitled: Making America More Resilient -- Capitol Hill Forum Highlights Release of New Report with Findings and Recommendations for a New Direction in U.S. Homeland Security Policy: A new report released today by the non-partisan Reform Institute calls for a new direction in American security policy. "Building a Resilient Nation: Enhancing Security, Ensuring a Strong Economy" presents the case for making resilience a national priority.. Resilience involves the ability of the United States to withstand a catastrophic event, such as a natural disaster or terrorist attack, and to quickly return to a state of near normalcy. The report identifies the four critical elements of resilience: preparedness, protection, response and recovery. " Resilience is the right concept for these uncertain times; it recognizes that not all catastrophes can be prevented," according to Reform Institute Senior Advisor Robert Kelly. "With resilience quickly gaining traction among opinion leaders and policy makers the challenge now is to define it and develop a comprehensive resiliency strategy that brings coherence and focus to U.S. homeland security policy, particularly the mission of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.".. The report highlights the pioneering efforts that many companies are undertaking to ensure that their firms can continue operating in the face of crisis. Communities and government authorities must learn from these initiatives and cooperate with the private sector to optimize their effectiveness. Collaboration among all levels of government, as well as between the public and private sectors, will be crucial to employing the innovative programs and concepts developed by companies and communities on a broader scale. The fact that 85% of our critical infrastructure is in the hands of the private sector dictates closer public-private coordination. Effective leadership will also be required to develop a cogent national strategy and to engage the general public in embracing resilience. " Making resilience a reality will require fundamental reform not only to our security policy, but also to the way that Washington thinks about protecting the U.S. and interacts with the private sector and the populace," stated Reform Institute Executive Director Cecilia Martinez. "Resilience is a non-partisan concept that can achieve consensus in Washington and unleash the resolve and ingenuity of the American people in strengthening our ability to confront the challenges we face and emerge a stronger nation." The report can be accessed at: http://www.reforminstitute.org/uploads/publications/Building_Resilience_SEPT25.pdf