Political Quotes

“Mr. Speaker, it has been 8 days since Hurricane Maria slammed into Puerto Rico and impacted the lives of Americans there, who are now in dire need. Power and communications remain down; food, water, and fuel are scarce; infrastructure continues to crumble; and Americans are dying. Tackling recovery is urgent. I was pleased to see that President Trump has asked Brigadier General Richard Kim to go to the island and seek to lead. Because of the island's topography and isolation, this isn't a Houston, this isn't a New Orleans or a Florida. Rescue and relief isn't as easy as moving a convoy of power company trucks down the interstate highway. Logistically, this is much more difficult. Therefore, Mr. Speaker, I believe it is time to set up a joint task force, with one person in charge, able to make decisions and not get ``stuck on stupid,'' as one Army general famously said. That general, Russell Honore, turned around the government floundering after taking charge of Joint Task Force Katrina. On the ground, the joint task force can coordinate all public and private relief efforts, starting with putting our National Guard to work, reopening the air tower, clearing the roads, and opening a chow hall. I continue to pray for Puerto Rico, but each of us must understand our beloved island's crisis is very different. ____________________”