Political Quotes

“First, let me thank Chairman Oberstar and Subcommittee Chairwoman Norton for working with me on this particular piece of legislation and for the continuous work on bills aimed at improving our country's emergency response and preparedness. Let me also take the opportunity to thank Congressman Costello for managing this bill today. Mr. Speaker, I appreciate the opportunity to present information about this bill being considered here today, House Resolution 5825, the Multi-State Disaster Relief Act. Southern Indiana has been devastated by seven major natural disasters over the last few years. Yet the one that stands out and the one that brought the most pain and frustration to the residents of southern Indiana was the incident that occurred almost exactly 1 year ago today. In early August of 2009, a series of severe storms rocked Indiana and Kentucky and damaged or destroyed hundreds of homes. The State of Kentucky received a major disaster declaration but Indiana did not from the same storm. As a result, hundreds of Hoosiers living just a few miles from their friends and neighbors across the border in neighboring Kentucky were not eligible to receive Federal grants to repair their homes even though they were devastated by the same natural disaster. We can try to be prepared for natural disasters, but these events are largely beyond our control. However, we do have full control over how our Federal Government responds and aids individuals following a disaster.”