FEMA has made modest to moderate improvements in some areas since the 2005 hurricane season but is still ill-prepared for a catastrophic event, officials said at a hearing of the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee.

Department of Homeland Security Inspector General Richard L. Skinner testified (.pdf file) April 3 that FEMA performs well in responding to "garden variety" or noncatastrophic disasters, such as the California wildfires. But, he said, several more steps must be taken before FEMA is prepared to handle another Hurricane Katrina-level threat.

"[FEMA] still has much to do to become a cohesive, efficient, and effective organization to prepare for and respond to the next catastrophic event," Skinner said. Of nine key areas, a report from the Inspector General said FEMA has made moderate progress in five areas, modest progress in three and limited progress in one.

Ranking committee member Sen. Susan M. Collins, R-ME, praised FEMA's progress, but noted that "effective implementation of our comprehensive reforms is essential if FEMA is to learn the lessons of Katrina and to prepare for even worse disasters."

Committee Chair Joe Lieberman, I-CT, suggested the agency's limited improvements were linked to shortfalls in staff and financial resources, highlighting the IG report's stance that "additional substantial funding increases for FEMA are still necessary."