"So maybe we could work with you and maybe FEMA."
"Do you think FEMA might have a role to help initiate that?"
"Can you tell me, is FEMA at this point now fully staffed and organized to really move forward on a sustainable relationship with tribes, not only in Alaska but throughout the Country?"
"To minimize loss, we must take a proactive approach when dealing with natural catastrophes."
"In recognizing the challenges of tribal communities as they prepare, respond to and recover from various disasters requires collaboration and cooperation."
"The new authorities granted to tribes through the Sandy Recovery Improvement Act allow for major disaster declarations to be made directly to the President without having to go through governors."
"Very good. So you found that beneficial?"
"I say that in a polite way. You will feel that on a regular basis."
"My frustration is not with you or FEMA. It is with the White House and their ability--or inability."
"I was in the Matanuska Valley recently, which is just outside of Anchorage, and 40 percent of the maps are inaccurate."
"But I am concerned that FEMA may not be able to handle this at this point."