Number: RS21073
Title: Urban Search and Rescue Task Forces: Facts and Issues
Authors: Keith Bea, Government and Finance Division 
Abstract: Since the early 1990s, Urban Search and Rescue (US&R) Task Forces have been certified, trained, and funded by the federal government. Twenty-eight task forces are located in 19 states. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) officials may call out the task force (or forces) in closest proximity to the disaster to help locate and extricate victims from collapsed buildings and structures. The task forces represent a partnership involving federal, local government, and private sector experts. Over $100 million in federal funds have been provided in recent years to equip, train, and assist the task forces that are considered to be part of the federal emergency response network. Two bills (H.R. 88/S. 446) are pending before Congress to designate a New Jersey task force. Legislation pending before Congress (S. 3721 and H.R. 5351) would establish statutory authority and federal funding for a US&R response system. This report provides basic information on the task forces, and presents some issues that might be addressed by Congress.
Pages: 6
Date: August 18, 2006