Congressman Mario Diaz-Balart Helps Push Windstorm Bill Through U.S. House

July 8, 2004
Congressman Mario Diaz-Balart Helps Push Windstorm Bill Through U.S. House

WASHINGTON-Congressman Mario Diaz-Balart (R-Fla.) today helped pass the National Windstorm Impact Reduction Act of 2004 (H.R. 3980), which will establish the National Windstorm Impact Reduction Program to increase research and streamline federal efforts to minimize loss of life and property due to severe windstorms like hurricanes and tornados. The House overwhelmingly approved the bill by a vote of 387 to 26.

"Living in Florida, we know that natural disasters are inevitable, but our preparedness for them can be improved," said Diaz-Balart, a cosponsor of H.R. 3980. "Tornados and hurricanes not only devastate local economies, such as the $25.6 billion in damage by Hurricane Andrew, but they can devastate lives, too. This bill is an effective solution to help save lives and lessen economic loss."

The National Windstorm Impact Reduction Program would focus primarily on improving understanding of windstorms, assessing windstorm impact, and reducing windstorm impact.

Last year, Congressman Mario Diaz-Balart helped introduce a similar bill called the Hurricane, Tornado and Related Hazard Reduction Act (H.R. 2020).

"While hurricanes and tornados may be a risk and a part of life for Floridians, we can mitigate their short-term and long-term damage," Diaz-Balart continued. "Florida International University's International Hurricane Research Center (IHRC) has been a leader on this issue, and I am pleased that much of their research will play a large role in America's focus on mitigation techniques.

"Because research and accountable federal funding can save lives and lessen the economic blow of these inevitable storms, I will continue to work hard to bring relief to the citizens in my district and across America who are affected by these natural disasters."