Daniel Akaka: “I rise to discuss the Federal Government's commitment to disaster mitigation and helping communities minimize the impact…”

“I rise to discuss the Federal Government's commitment to disaster mitigation and helping communities minimize the impact of natural and man-made hazards. Currently, the Senate is locked in a debate on how to help State and local officials prevent, prepare for, and respond to acts of terrorism. Homeland security will benefit from the Federal Emergency Management Agency's, FEMA, years of experience because disaster mitigation and terrorism preparedness have the same goal, helping people prepare for the worst. FEMA's two multi-hazard mitigation programs, the post-disaster Hazard Mitigation Grant Program, HMGP, and the pre-disaster Project Impact program, are aimed at helping States and communities identify and address natural hazard risks they deem most significant. In March 2001 the administration proposed the elimination of all pre-disaster mitigation funding because Project Impact was 'ineffective.' After learning that there had been no formal review of the effectiveness of this or any multi-hazard mitigation program, I requested that GAO review FEMA's disaster mitigation efforts. I am happy to announce the release of this comprehensive and timely report.”