this is a difficult topic for me to discuss because it is so serious and because the United States has so much catching up to do. Two years ago, Congress created the bipartisan Congressional Commission on the Strategic Posture of the…

I have also worked with Senator Cortez Masto to introduce the Rural Water System Disaster Preparedness Assistance Act to make sure rural water systems can resume operations as soon as possible after a natural disaster.

Time is of the essence. With climate change, Arctic waters are increasingly open to maritime activity.

It is imperative that the committee carry out its oversight responsibilities on the many, varied threats facing the homeland.

Thank you very much, Mr. Chairman. Good morning. I appreciate the committee holding today's hearing on Arctic security and its implication for the homeland.

The Coast Guard is central to the United States' efforts and activities in the Arctic, but its capacity is severely limited by a lack of icebreakers.

The lack of equitable resources during a disaster is appalling, which is why I, along with Representatives Carter, Titus, and Brian Higgins, created the Congressional Disaster Equity and Building Resilience Caucus.

I know he represents a coastal district on Long Island, New York, and I look forward to a productive discussion on issues of shared interest.

The other public policy question is, in vulnerable communities, primarily low-income, African American, or whatever, there are very few building codes.

Fortunately, the Biden administration is doing more to support communities like those in Louisiana and Mississippi, which frequently faced unequal impacts of disasters.

I want to thank Ranking Member Troy Carter for bringing the subcommittee to this Congressional district to look at issues regarding emergency preparedness and how the Federal Government can better support the needs of coastal communities.

I'm looking for what safeguards can we put in place so that local businesses who have capacity won't be pushed to the side.

Ranking Member Carter is a tireless advocate in Washington, DC, for the people of the 2nd district of Louisiana.

Disasters often hit vulnerable populations the hardest, including low-income communities, rural areas, racial minorities, Tribes, individuals with disabilities, seniors, and children.

on behalf of Senator Cramer, I call up his motion to instruct the conferees. The PRESIDING OFFICER. The clerk will report the motion. The legislative clerk read as follows: The Senator from Mississippi [Mr. Wicker], for Mr. Cramer, moves…

on behalf of Senator Moran, I call up his motion to instruct the conferees. The PRESIDING OFFICER. The clerk will report the motion. The legislative clerk read as follows: The Senator from Mississippi [Mr. Wicker], for Mr. Moran, moves…

That will be enough for members to be able to make a decision as to whether or not they believe it would be proper to expel Representative Santos.

on behalf of Senator Blackburn, I call up her motion to instruct the conferees. The PRESIDING OFFICER. The clerk will report the motion. The legislative clerk read as follows: The Senator from Mississippi [Mr. Wicker], for Mrs. Blackburn…