New Mexico's Second Congressional District, which I represent, is home to the Army's White Sands Missile Range.

Thank you, Chairman Payne. Thanks for the opportunity to co-chair this hearing with you.

FEMA still struggles to utilize advance contracts.

A community I serve, the village of Ruidoso, New Mexico, has been struggling for more than 10 years to negotiate Federal assistance for extensive flooding that occurred back in 2008.

I was troubled by your comment that you don't see systemic problems.

You are still a third understaffed, and you have actually lost staff since 2017.

These disasters demonstrate that at a moment's notice FEMA may need to assist thousands of survivors.

FEMA cannot prepare for every eventuality. But as the frequency and severity of natural disasters increase, it is as important as ever that the agency take corrective action to better execute its no-fail mission.

We are not a detention center agency. We are a law enforcement agency.

Disasters can strike with little to no warning.

It is as important as ever that the agency take corrective action to better execute its no-fail mission.

With the 2019 hurricane season just 3 weeks away, this hearing couldn't be more timely.

I ask that this committee, as well as our senior leadership here in Washington, consider Michigan as you undergo your appropriations.

Let me be clear: I believe that access to clean water out of your tap is a right, not a privilege.

I believe we will have abrogated our responsibility to solve this issue.

I was proud to have worked with my colleagues, Congressman Sean Patrick Maloney, a member of this committee; Congressman Debbie Wasserman Schultz; and Congresswoman Norma Torres to make this positive change for our staff and visitors.

Access to safe, affordable menstrual hygiene products is a basic need and a healthcare right for 51 percent of the U.S. population.

Investing in infrastructure on Indian lands will unlock significant economic potential, spurring short-term job creation through construction-related jobs.