On the recordJuly 15, 2010
I'd like to thank Chairwoman Waters for not only today's bill but for her comprehensive bill, the first since 1994; also Chairman Frank for his work, making sure we got to the floor today as well. I chair the subcommittee with primary jurisdiction over FEMA and understand how important the chairwoman's comprehensive bill is. I understand also that Katrina was a wake-up call. As controversial as these maps are, and they have been controversial in my district, the most important thing we do in this bill is the 5-year grace period and appeal period delay. It's the least we can do instead of facing property owners with a new and expensive mandate in the middle of an economic crisis that began in a mortgage crisis with hundreds of people waiting to close on homes, others newly in a flood map zone. This is needed relief and the least we can do before we go home. We've had our separate fights. Let's get this temporary bill done and then get on to comprehensive reform.
