Gary Hart: “I especially thank Chairman Ney, the gentleman from Pennsylvania (Mr. Fitzpatrick), and the gentleman from Georgia (Mr.…”

“I especially thank Chairman Ney, the gentleman from Pennsylvania (Mr. Fitzpatrick), and the gentleman from Georgia (Mr. Scott) for moving this legislation today and Chairman Oxley as well of the Financial Services Committee. There has been a significant amount of attention paid to the National Flood Insurance Program, especially in recent years, as we have seen an increased number of hurricanes and events causing serious flooding across the Nation. I rise in support of the gentleman from Pennsylvania's legislation. He clearly has identified an issue that is part of the problem with getting relief for people who actually have purchased and paid premiums over a number of years for flood insurance, that we need to have enough there to help them recover. I also want to highlight a need that we have regarding review of the flood insurance program, to make improvements to that program, and I want to thank Chairman Ney for also holding hearings on that issue and allowing many of our constituents to participate. I want to compliment his Housing Subcommittee for examining this program at a hearing, especially on the 14th of April and a series of follow-ups. Fourteen months ago, there was a significant flooding event that affected most of my district with quite severe flooding. Many homes and businesses suffered extensive damage. My staff and I worked hard to assist constituents with as many of their NFIP claims as we could.…”