Gus Bilirakis: “I rise today to support H.R. 707, the Disaster Mitigation and Cost Reduction Act of 1999. Florida occupies a unique…”

“I rise today to support H.R. 707, the Disaster Mitigation and Cost Reduction Act of 1999. Florida occupies a unique position in our nation's landscape. Unfortunately, natural disasters often threaten my state's magnificent environment. In the past year alone, Florida has been devastated by floods, fires, and tornadoes. Nationwide, the cost of responding to such catastrophes has skyrocketed over the past decade. According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, twenty-five major weather-related incidents occurred from 1988 through 1997, resulting in total damages of approximately $140 billion. The most costly insured catastrophe in U.S. history was Hurricane Andrew, which hit South Florida in August 1992. It caused more than $25 billion in damages and resulted in fifty-eight deaths. In the aftermath of this hurricane, many insurance companies no longer provide coverage in Florida. As a result, my constituents are concerned about the availability and affordability of residential property insurance. I have cosponsored legislation to guarantee that homeowners have access to affordable disaster insurance. I have been working with the Florida delegation to enact this important measure. Prevention is critical to reducing the economic costs and loss of life when severe weather strikes.”