Political Quotes

“A recent poll revealed that a vast majority of local governments, 95 percent, to be exact, have plans for dealing with natural disasters. However, only 49 percent of this Nation's local governments are equipped to protect and prepare its residents against acts of terror. But, Mr. Chairman, the good news outweighs the bad. The good news is that local governments which have not developed plans to deal with terrorism now have an opportunity to build and coordinate an effective response plan from the ground up. The good news is that local governments, which already have response plans, are in a perfect position to improve upon current programs, and the good news is that the Federal Government now has the unique opportunity to coordinate with local governments so that access to Federal information and expertise become an integral part of the local response picture in this country. My amendment will work to make that good news even better by bridging the gaps between local first responders and the Federal Government.”