"It is vitally important that we provide them with the support they need."
"The terrorist threat is at its highest level since 9/11 according to the Department of Homeland Security."
"Thank you Chairman Bilirakis for convening this important hearing on the frontlines of hurricane response."
"We share Senator Wicker's goal of ensuring timely and fair claims payments to victims of natural disasters."
"This is the approach that Senator Wicker's bill takes and it is one I believe that the Committee should take care to continue and to clarify in the bill's legislation language."
"Senator Wicker recently introduced the COASTAL Act, (S. 1091), which proposes a new approach to adjusting total losses."
"Another program lapse is entirely avoidable, and we should not allow that to happen."
"A long-term reauthorization with targeted reforms is necessary for coastal communities to prosper."
"Senator Wicker has taken a constructive approach to a very complex issue, and we appreciate his hard work."
"Hurricane Katrina clearly demonstrated both the devastating power of hurricanes as well as the havoc they can wreak on homeowners."
"This does not make FEMA do it. It gives FEMA the ability to engage whomever they choose to do it."
"My proposal, which we are calling the COASTAL Act, would not add wind to the Flood Control Program."
"Without appropriate reform, modernization, and an extended reauthorization, our Nation and the American taxpayers face serious consequences."
"I believe that a Standardized Loss Allocation model as Senator Wicker's COASTAL Act envisions is such a solution."
"I think you would concede that the current program does not work when it comes to the wind versus water claims in a slab situation."
"The COASTAL Act is a commonsense approach to addressing these problems."
"I have recently introduced the Consumer Option for an Alternative System to Allocate Losses Act, the COASTAL Act."
"It may very well be that the Flood Insurance Program and the taxpayers have paid more than their fair share."
