Political Quotes

“Mr. Chairman, Indiana has been hit with a number of severe storms over the last few years. Residents in my district of southern Indiana have been hit especially hard, and many of our local communities continue to be devastated by flooding. While natural disasters cannot be avoided, the government's efforts in responding, preparing, and dealing with these situations can certainly improve. The amendment I offer here today would call for a very small change, but one that I believe will help provide lasting benefits for American cities and towns in the overall flood insurance program. The underlying bill establishes an Office of Flood Insurance Advocate within FEMA. This office is tasked with helping people in the program resolve problems with FEMA flood insurance and identifying potential changes to help fix these problems. My amendment would add another function to this office, and call on it to identify ways to assist communities in their efforts to fund the accreditation of flood protection systems. I have heard from several of my local communities that are having problems obtaining funding to meet requirements to get their flood protection systems accredited. If a levee shows adequate protection, then FEMA will place it in a moderate risk zone, and property owners are not required to carry flood insurance, referred to as an accredited levee. Decertified, or uncertified levees, however, will not be accredited.…”