Walter Tucker: “I rise today in full support of the supplemental appropriation bill for earthquake relief for California. Mr. Speaker…”

“I rise today in full support of the supplemental appropriation bill for earthquake relief for California. Mr. Speaker, it would seem that this call for help from California's most devastating natural disaster in the history of our country would be a simple plea. Unfortunately, Mr. Speaker, it is my understanding that there are those who will question this earthquake relief measure, will question this bill as to the money that is being spent. Mr. Speaker, this is unfortunate, even though I understand that we are asking for some $9.5 billion, and, of course, the price tag continues to go up. The damages in California are estimated to be about $30 billion. However, Mr. Speaker, this was the greatest natural disaster in the history of this country, with 57 people dead, 6,500 people injured, 200,000 people applying for disaster relief. Let me say, on a personal note, Mr. Speaker, that I was there when this earthquake hit. For those of us who think that this is just a California problem, we must remember that the earthquake in California of today is the flood in Members' areas tomorrow, or the hurricane in their area next week. Mr. Speaker, this is a time for all Americans to rally together, and all the Representatives who represent America to say that we must give relief where relief is needed.”