Which agency has overall coordinating responsibility for the federal government during a large-scale disruption?

The proper agency with overall coordinating responsibility for the federal government during a large-scale disruption is FEMA, the Federal Emergency Management Agency. FEMA plays a crucial role in coordinating disaster response efforts across various federal, state, and local agencies. Their primary objective is to provide assistance during natural disasters, terrorist attacks, or any large-scale incidents requiring federal resources.

FEMA’s comprehensive framework includes preparing for, responding to, recovering from, and mitigating disasters. It acts as the central point for the coordination of these efforts, ensuring that resources are effectively allocated and that all parties involved in crisis management have a unified strategy. This coordination is vital for maintaining order during emergencies and ensuring that the government can respond effectively to protect public safety.

The other agencies mentioned, while integral to national security and public safety, have more specific roles; for instance, the CIA focuses on international intelligence, the FBI handles federal criminal investigations and domestic intelligence, and the Secret Service is primarily concerned with protecting national leaders and safeguarding the nation’s financial infrastructure. Their functions do not encompass the broad, overarching disaster coordination role that FEMA fulfills.