HR 3656, the National Emergency Management Restoration and Improvement Act, was introduced by Rep. John Dingell (D-MI) on September 6, 2005. Here are Rep. Dingell's remarks upon introducing the bill:

I am introducing at an early time legislation which sees to it that FEMA becomes an independent agency, with the head reporting directly to the President of the United States, whose responsibility will be set out in statute and whose qualifications and that of his two principal assistants, also subject to confirmation by the Senate, will have to meet certain tests, and that is the need to show ability and experience in areas of emergency management. Only by doing this can we assure that the kind of misfortune and the kind of open criticism that has occurred in the United States of FEMA and our efforts to help people in the southern United States will not occur on a regular basis.

Dingell's measure, the first to be introduced, attracted 72 cosponsors, all Democrats. Besides issuing a press release in conjunction with this bill, he also made the following comments upon the removal of Michael Brown from command of the Hurricane Katrina relief operations on September 9, 2005, reiterating the bill's call for qualified leadership standards for future FEMA administrators:

Removing Michael Brown from direct command of the Hurricane Katrina relief effort is a step in the right direction. Director Brown's reassignment doesn't change the fact that we need to remove FEMA from the massive bureaucracy that is the Department of Homeland Security.

According to Rep. Peter Visclosky (IN-01), a cosponsor of HR 3656:

Rep. Dingell's measure would remove FEMA from the DHS and return it to its status as a fully independent agency. Further, the measure would elevate the Director of FEMA to a position reporting directly to the President in order to assure that the agency receives the attention it deserves. Finally, H.R. 3656 would create two Deputy Directors of FEMA: one responsible for natural disasters and the other responsible for terrorism related disasters, with each required to have significant experience related to their positions. Under the measure, the Deputy Director in charge of terrorism related disaster management would be required to consult and coordinate with the Department of Homeland Security.

HR 3656 was immediately referred to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, which referred the bill to its Subcommittee on Economic Development, Public Buildings and Emergency Management.

HR 3656 was also referred to the Committee on Homeland Security, which on September 20, 2005, sent the bill to the House Subcommittee on Management, Integration and Oversight.

Summaries of the other House bills, as provided by the Library of Congress' THOMAS reporting service, and the Congressional Research Service:

HR 3659

HR 3659, which was introduced by Rep. James Oberstar (Democratic-Farmer-Labor-MN) on September 6, 2005, and has 21 cosponsors:

Establishes the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) as an independent establishment in the executive branch that is responsible for the Nation's preparedness and response to disasters.

Requires the Agency to be headed by a Director, who shall be appointed by the President, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate, and who shall report directly to the President. Requires the Director to be appointed from among persons who have extensive background in emergency or disaster-related management.  

...

Repeals provisions of the Homeland Security Act of 2002 that are related to: (1) the definition of major disaster; (2) functions transferred with respect to FEMA; and (3) the role of FEMA.

HR 3659 was also referred to the House Subcommittee on Management, Integration and Oversight on September 20, 2005.

HR 3685

HR 3685, the Federal Disaster Response Improvement Act of 2005, was introduced by Rep. Mark Foley (R-FL) on September 7, 2005:

Federal Disaster Response Improvement Act of 2005 -- Reestablishes the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) as an independent establishment in the executive branch. Transfers to the Director of FEMA the functions, personnel, assets, and liabilities of the Department of Homeland Security relating to FEMA.

It was referred to the House Subcommittee on Management, Integration and Oversight on September 20, 2005.

HR 3816

HR 3816, introduced by Rep. Mark Udall (D-CO) on September 15, 2005:

Establishes the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) as an independent establishment in the executive branch that is responsible for the Nation's preparedness and response to natural disasters.

Requires the Agency to be headed by a Director, who shall be appointed by the President, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate, and who shall report directly to the President. Requires the Director to be appointed from among persons who have extensive background in emergency or disaster-related management, including at least two years of experience as a head of a state or local government disaster-management agency in a state with at least one million residents. Requires the Director also to have appropriate formal training in emergency or disaster-related management. Sets a six-year term of office for an individual appointed as the Director. Repeals provisions of the Homeland Security Act of 2002 that are related to: (1) the definition of major disaster; (2) functions transferred with respect to FEMA; and (3) the role of FEMA.

It was referred to the House Subcommittee on Management, Integration and Oversight on September 26, 2005.

S 1615

S 1615 was introduced by Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton (D-NY) on September 6, 2005:

Federal Emergency Management Agency Restoration Act of 2005 -- Reestablishes the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) as an independent establishment in the executive branch. Requires FEMA to be headed by a Director appointed by the President, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate.

Requires FEMA to: (1) include all functions and authorities prescribed by the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act; and (2) carry out its mission to reduce the loss of life and property and protect the Nation from all hazards with a comprehensive, risk-based emergency management program.

Requires FEMA to remain the lead agency for the Federal Response Plan.

Sen. Clinton's bill, which attracted eight cosponsors, was referred to the Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs on the day it was introduced.