1. Short title; table of contents (a) Short title This Act may be cited as the FEMA Independence Act of 2023 . (b) Table of contents The table of contents of this Act is as follows: Sec. 1. Short title; table of contents. Sec. 2. Establishment of FEMA as cabinet-level independent agency. Sec. 3. Director; deputy directors; regional offices. Sec. 4. Authority and responsibilities. Sec. 5. Office of the Inspector General. Sec. 6. Transfer of functions. Sec. 7. Personnel and other transfers. Sec. 8. Savings provisions. Sec. 9. References. Sec. 10. Offices and functions of Department of Homeland Security. Sec. 11. Homeland security grants. Sec. 12. Conforming amendments to other laws. Sec. 13. Report on recommended legislation. Sec. 14. Definitions. 2. Establishment of FEMA as cabinet-level independent agency (a) In general The Federal Emergency Management Agency is established as a cabinet-level independent establishment in the executive branch. (b) Mission The primary mission of the Agency is to reduce the loss of life and property and protect the Nation from all hazards, including natural disasters, acts of terrorism, and other man-made disasters, by leading and supporting the Nation in a risk-based, comprehensive emergency management system of preparedness, protection, response, recovery, and mitigation. 3. Director; deputy directors; regional offices (a) Director (1) In general The Agency shall 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. (2) Qualifications The Director shall be appointed from among individuals who have— (A) a demonstrated ability in and knowledge of emergency management and homeland security