'Flawed, Yet Neccesary': PRT Director Rebecca Costa Brown Speaks on Controversial Parahuman Anti-Trust Laws

Earlier this week, I had the absolute fortune to fly out to Washington, D.C. for a one-on-one interview with the current Chief Director of the Parahuman Response Team, Rebecca Costa Brown. As Director, she's obviously a very busy woman, but she was gracious enough to answer a few of my questions surrounding policies the PRT has backed, her legacy within the organization, and where she thinks the PRT will go in the future.

Q: Since its codification in 1998, there have been constant controversies surrounding NEPEA-5; namely the difficulties it places on parahumans from seeking non-combative employment. Has there ever been consideration towards repealing the bill? How do you feel about the consequences codifying it had?

"I'm first among anyone to discuss the downsides of NEPEA. It certainly had consequences, but it's unfair to suggest that the controversies have been constant. We needed a bill like it to ensure that the average person had reasonable avenues to succeed. Despite the flaws, it's necessary because of that. It's almost an anti-monopoly law, if you think about it- just targeted towards parahumans. Just because someone was lucky enough to receive a profitable power doesn't mean that they should get to dominate a market. That's what the bill was intended to do, really."

Q: It goes without saying that you've been a center point of the PRT since its inception. Have you been happy with your tenure as Director? How long do you see yourself holding this position?

"I've overseen great people doing important things; I wouldn't have done it any other way. Despite the ups and downs of the past decades, we've persisted- and adapted, to suit the needs of the people we serve. And regarding my future, who knows? (laughs) I don't foresee myself stepping down anytime soon, that's for sure. Too many things to do."

Q: With all said and done, what's on the horizon for the PRT? How are you going to adapt to the coming times?

"Unfortunately, there's not much I can answer here- too much of what I'm currently working on is sensitive. What I can say, though, is we're in communication with a few foreign countries regarding new branches, and that we've been working behind the scenes on lowering response times; President Gillan has been a fantastic supporter of the program, and I'm proud to say that as far as we can see it, our future is a bright one."

Q:Unfortunately, it looks like we're running low on time, so one more quick question: What do you have to say on allegations that the PRT is being operated by some secretive organization?

"I'm not going to dignify that one with a response."