Additional Statements

Floor Speech

Mr. BOOZMAN. Mr. President, Arkansans are well aware of the damage that Mother Nature can cause. We have seen the devastating impact of tornadoes, flooding, ice storms, and other natural disasters.

This devastation can be overwhelming. Surveying the damage sometimes reveals the need to rebuild parts of the community, infrastructure, and neighborhoods. Oftentimes this causes difficulties for families who may be displaced from their homes or even their jobs.

Time and again when we are faced with these catastrophes, the Arkansas Department of Emergency Management has been there to activate the resources necessary to protect people and communities and provide them with the basic needs as rebuilding efforts occur.

This year we recognize the 60th anniversary of the agency tasked with responding to emergencies. No matter how big or small, the men and women of the Arkansas Department of Emergency Management are ready to respond at a moment's notice and support recovery efforts.

The agency has developed since 1953 from an office in the Arkansas State Capitol with one surplus military radio to today's state-of-the-art facility.

We appreciate the hard work, dedication and commitment of the Arkansas Department of Emergency Management as the agency continues to improve and seek new and innovative ways to prepare us all for the unexpected.

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