Supporting the Goals and Ideals of National Hurricane Preparedness Week

Floor Speech

SUPPORTING THE GOALS AND IDEALS OF NATIONAL HURRICANE PREPAREDNESS WEEK -- (House of Representatives - May 21, 2007)

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Mr. BILIRAKIS. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman from Louisiana (Mr. Melancon) and the gentleman from Florida (Mr. Mario Diaz-Balart) for sponsoring this resolution, which I strongly support. It is a very important resolution.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of this resolution supporting the goals and ideals of National Hurricane Preparedness Week.

As we approach what is expected to be yet another very active hurricane season, it is imperative that we help raise awareness on the importance of being the best prepared for the worst-case scenario.

How can any of us ever forget the horrific scenes etched into our minds after witnessing the devastation caused by Hurricanes Katrina and Rita? Nearly 2 years later, the gulf coast region and those affected by these storms are still suffering.

I was alarmed when FEMA Director David Paulison testified before the Homeland Security Committee last week and informed us that FEMA's revised national response plan will not be completed until sometime in June.

Given that we have already had a named storm before the official beginning of hurricane season, I hope FEMA is working expeditiously to get this plan finalized.

Mr. Speaker, we all agree that the response of the State, local and Federal Governments were inadequate, and there is much work to be done. However, disaster readiness should not solely lie on the shoulders of government. I hope that individuals will use this week as a reminder that they, too, must prepare themselves, as Mr. Diaz-Balart said.

I have urged my constituents to develop family disaster plans and create supply kits. It is also important that they follow local weather forecasts and heed any emergency hurricane warnings they receive. These and other simple steps can help save lives.

Mr. Speaker, while I'm pleased that we are here today to debate this vitally important issue, I also must express some frustration. Most of our States are plagued with some form of natural disaster. In my State, these menaces have caused the most financially crippling crisis we have been confronted with in years, namely, the unaffordable costs of homeowners' insurance.

Due to the onslaught of hurricanes and tornados in recent years, these rates have doubled or even tripled. This has caused many of my constituents throughout Florida, of course, to leave their homes or risk everything by opting not to get coverage.

While there are no overnight solutions to help solve this crisis, I believe that this body can take steps to help encourage citizens in disaster-prone areas to better mitigate their property from their storms. I have introduced H.R. 913, the Hurricane Tornado and Mitigation Investment Act, which would accomplish that goal. I'm proud my good friend from Florida is an original cosponsor.

Mr. Speaker, some Members have raised concerns that this is only a Florida or a coastal State issue. However, I will conclude my remarks with this statistic. For every dollar spent by FEMA for mitigating disasters, about $4 is saved on what would have eventually been spent fixing damage from a storm. That's significant.

Taxpayers from every State have contributed billions of dollars spent recovering from the aftermaths of hurricanes such as Katrina and Rita. Encouraging our citizens to safeguard their property will save Americans in every State billions of dollars.

Furthermore, it would reduce the skyrocketing costs of homeowners' insurance and allow my constituents and constituents all over the country, your constituents, Mr. Speaker, to raise their children in the State that they want to and retire in the State that they want to retire.

I'm seeing some big problems in my State, Mr. Speaker. As I said, people are leaving the State, and it's a real shame. It's a real shame. They can't afford the homeowners' insurance.

I encourage my colleagues to cosponsor H.R. 913 and pray that this hurricane season is not as active as predicted.

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