On the recordDecember 9, 2014
When a natural disaster strikes, the damage and cleanup costs often far exceed the local government's ability to respond and to rebuild. Americans take comfort in the knowledge that the Federal Government will aid in the response by providing assistance to mitigate the often massive costs of natural disasters. The recent record-breaking snowstorm in western New York reminded the Nation that Buffalonians are resilient and generous people. That was on display during the storm and its aftermath with so many instances of neighbors helping neighbors. The storm also left my community with significant expenses in terms of the emergency response and structures that collapsed under the weight of the snow. That is why I have joined the western New York delegation to urge FEMA to act quickly to certify the disaster and disburse assistance. Western New Yorkers are the first to volunteer to aid other communities in need. Now we must ensure a helping hand is there for them when they are in need. ____________________
