Department of Homeland Security Appropriations Act, 2007
DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY APPROPRIATIONS ACT, 2007 -- (House of Representatives - May 25, 2006)
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Mr. ROGERS of Kentucky. Mr. Chairman, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
I, too, am a great proponent of the Domestic Nuclear Detection Office and believe we need to get the best radiation detection systems to our borders as quickly as possible.
That said, I still believe money should be spent wisely. GAO points out that there is no evidence the Advanced Spectroscopic Portal Monitors are any better than the RPMs going into place today, but they cost four times as much. If the less expensive RPMs work just as well, let us buy them. However, I understand DNDO is completing a cost-benefit analysis that will tell us if the investment in the more expensive ASP systems is wise. If they are a wise investment, this provision will harm no one. If they are a poor investment, it will slow down the crystal production program, and it should. Just because we like a program does not mean that we should not provide sound oversight or to waste taxpayers' dollars.
I urge Members to reject this amendment.
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Mr. ROGERS of Kentucky. Mr. Chairman, I claim the time in opposition.
Mr. Chairman, I am opposed. FEMA is transitioning all apartment residents from apartments paid for under the emergency protective measures under the Stafford Act to the Individual and Households Assistance Program.
Under the Stafford Act, apartment coverage is provided only during the emergency period; 20,000 evacuees in Houston have already been successfully transitioned from the apartments to the Individual and Households Program which offers cash assistance; 5,000 evacuees are still in apartments in Houston. This remaining group of 5,000 Katrina victims will be eligible for up to 18 months or $26,200 of assistance, whichever threshold is met first.
FEMA is working with those not eligible for cash assistance and is helping them find more appropriate housing solutions, either through FEMA, HUD or other agency volunteer agency resources. No one is being thrown out.
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