Which law gives the President authority to direct the Department of Defense to provide domestic disaster aid?

• A. National Security Act
• B. Stafford Act
• C. War Powers Resolution
• D. Homeland Security Act

Answer: (B)

The key idea here is how federal disaster response is authorized. The Stafford Act, officially the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act, gives the President authority to direct federal agencies, including the Department of Defense, to provide disaster relief to state and local governments during major emergencies. It sets up the framework for declaring emergencies or major disasters, coordinating federal response through FEMA, and supplying the necessary resources and funding. In practice, once a disaster is declared and federal assistance is authorized, DoD can be called in to support with logistics, transportation, engineering, and other capabilities as directed by the President under this act. The other laws address different areas: the National Security Act deals with national security organization, the War Powers Resolution concerns overseas military action, and the Homeland Security Act concerns the creation and functions of DHS. So, the Stafford Act best fits the authority to mobilize DoD for domestic disaster aid.