Langevin Invites RIEMA Director to Testify to Congressional Subcommittee

Congressman Jim Langevin (D-RI), a senior member of the House Committee on Homeland Security, has invited Rhode Island Emergency Management Agency (RIEMA) Director Peter Gaynor to testify tomorrow before the Subcommittee on Emergency Preparedness, Response and Communications. Wednesday’s hearing is focused on “Defense Support of Civil Authorities.”

“As former head of the Providence EMA and the current Director of Rhode Island’s EMA, Peter Gaynor has done an exceptional job fortifying Rhode Island against natural disasters, security risks and other potential emergencies,” said Congressman Jim Langevin. “Peter has positioned Rhode Island to effectively respond to an array of threats, and I look forward to hearing his insight into the importance of the National Guard and other military forces in that response.”

Gaynor will testify on a panel alongside Major General Michael McGuire, the Adjutant General of the State of Arizona Department of Emergency and Military Affairs; and Jimmy Gianato, the director of the Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Management for the State of West Virginia.

“I will be testifying on behalf of the State’s Emergency Management Agency in support of the Rhode Island National Guard in order to highlight our strong bonds and tremendous support of civil authorities during times of disaster,” said Gaynor. “I appreciate this opportunity to testify, and I look forward to helping facilitate further cooperation between local, state, and federal emergency managers.”

Langevin, who serves on the Subcommittee on Cybersecurity, Infrastructure Protection and Security Technologies, praised Gaynor’s work on cybersecurity in particular, and the RIEMA’s involvement in both the Rhode Island Cybersecurity Commission and the Rhode Island Cyber Disruption Team.

“As we were reminded once again last week after the major hack of the Office of Personnel Management (OPM), cybersecurity presents a significant challenge to national security and the safety of our state and local agencies,” said Langevin, the co-founder and co-chair of the Congressional Cybersecurity Caucus. “Peter Gaynor has been a leader on this issue, and I believe that Rhode Island can serve as a model to other states as we continue to tackle the evolving threats in cyberspace.”