Sen. Bob Graham: “I am very appreciative of the way in which this Congress... dealt with the crisis that we faced in Florida after…”

“I am very appreciative of the way in which this Congress... dealt with the crisis that we faced in Florida after Hurricane Andrew. For that I am extremely appreciative. I do not believe, however, that the action we are proposing today is inconsistent with that statement of appreciation. In some ways, it might be considered as an appropriate response of gratitude. The some $90 billion plus that this amendment will reduce in Federal spending over the next 5 years equals and exceeds the generosity of this Congress, not only to my State as a result of hurricanes but also to States like South Carolina, Hawaii, and, today, California for the disasters that nature has directed at them. I recognize that there are tides in the life of men and women and tides in the life of nations. There are times when a nation is faced with a major threat to its security, a war. There are times when a nation is faced with an unusual economic circumstance--the Great Depression of the 1930's--in which it must take steps in order to protect itself and its people. Mr. President, that indicates that there must be some other times in that cycle when, to use the Biblical admonition, you have 7 years in which you can begin to store away grain for those difficult times.”