By LARA JAKES JORDAN, Associated Press Writer 2 minutes ago
WASHINGTON - Federal Emergency Management Agency Director Michael Brown is being removed from his role managing Hurricane Katrina relief efforts, The Associated Press has learned.
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Brown is being sent back to Washington from Baton Rouge, where he was the primary official overseeing the federal government's response to the disaster, according to two federal officials who declined to be identified before the announcement.
Brown will be replaced by Coast Guard Vice Adm. Thad w. Allen, who was overseeing New Orleans relief and rescue efforts.
Brown has been under fire because of the administration's slow response to the magnitude of the hurricane. On Thursday, questions were raised about whether he padded his resume to highlight his previous emergency management background.
Less than an hour before Brown's removal came to light, White House press secretary Scott McClellan said Brown had not resigned and the president had not asked for his resignation.
McClellan did not directly answer a question about whether the president had full confidence in Brown.
"We appreciate all those who are working round the clock, and that's the way I would answer it," he said.
Foxnews is now saying that his job in New Orleans is being turned over to the Deputy Adm Allen of the Coast Guard and Brown is simply returning to Washington....no confirmation that he is being replaced as the head of FEMA.
CNN is saying he's being "sent home" and Chertoff will name a replacement.
Any bets on ColoRectal Powell?
When did your son finish his Buds Training and where?
I don't see why this should upset you so. Did you even know who Michael Brown was 10 days ago?
I don't know if it is worth defending this guy.
I guess borwn padded his resume pretty badly, not sure if
it is true or not.
http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20050909/ts_nm/brown_dc_3;_ylt=AnCmx4EzxUD9HBSyGJr0kHUbLisB;_ylu=X3oDMTBiMW04NW9mBHNlYwMlJVRPUCUl
They said Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff was bringing Brown back to Washington and putting Vice Admiral Thad Allen, chief of staff of the U.S. Coast Guard, in charge of operations on the ground.
One official familiar with the decision said Chertoff made the decision and was soon to make the announcement. Brown has been under heavy criticism for a slow emergency response to the hurricane, with some Democrats demanding he be fired.
Brown out, well, Dems have their sacrifice.
Since heads are beginning to roll, we need to demand that Blanco and Nagin both resign immediately!