Paul Coverdell: “My point is this. When we have a disaster, we typically use whatever vehicle is moving to deal with it. For example, in…”

“My point is this. When we have a disaster, we typically use whatever vehicle is moving to deal with it. For example, in the great 500-year flood that we experienced several years ago in Georgia as a result of Alberto--and I believe we all understand the sense of urgency that comes from any Member of the body who represents that kind of a condition--for the long-term relief, I, along with my colleague at the time, Senator Nunn, were addressing it on a series of appropriations bills. So this disaster is being addressed on this appropriation vehicle, but it is not a bill for the disaster. It is the process in which we are engaged that we are using to help the disaster. Now, this is my last question, and then I will let the Senator proceed with his remarks. The Senator very astutely made the point that the emergency brings out our emergency resources. In our case, FEMA was there immediately. A coordinated center was set up for relief, water was flown in, and the National Guard was dispatched throughout the southwestern quadrant of the State. What we were dealing with in appropriations was the long-term build-back, which takes a long time. I just find it ironic, the one thing that you have to have to protect the long-term build-back is that the system does not shut down. So, for me, the idea of putting a disaster protection in the supplemental that assures that the long-term relief will not come to a stop suddenly because of politics is a pretty good idea.”