Nancy Pelosi: “In 1989, northern California was struck by the Loma Prieta earthquake. Families lost their houses, their homes, their…”

“In 1989, northern California was struck by the Loma Prieta earthquake. Families lost their houses, their homes, their personal possessions, their family photographs. It was a terrible disaster and a tragedy. Before we could even ask, Chairman Jamie Whitten, the chairman of the Committee on Appropriations, came earlier to work than usual and started to prepare the Federal response. He knew that the American people and the American Government have a compact between them that, when disaster strikes, the Federal Government is there to provide comfort and meet the needs of the people. The Republican leadership in this House of Representatives have broken that compact with the American people, they have violated it. For their own political agenda, they are holding hostage the families of the disaster stricken areas of our country. These families have suffered tremendous losses. They have serious doubt about how they will be made whole. Instead of having the comfort and the embrace of the Congress of the United States, they are ignored. Despite the best efforts of President Clinton and indeed even the gentleman from Louisiana, the radical Republican leadership refuses to help the families of America. I hope our colleagues will join the 20 brave Republicans and our Democratic leadership in supporting the emergency disaster relief bill today.”