David Vitter

We have to improve the Corps process and address real reforms so that we can work quickly and adequately.

We can continue to learn and can continue to improve and enact reforms.

I do think we have come a long way positively since Katrina and Rita, and the SBA disaster response has been significantly improved.

I want to again express my real sympathy for and support of all the victims of Sandy.

We can do both of those things.

I have the real concern that I think is shared by a lot of Committee Members that the changes in reforms FHA has made... are not significant enough given the looming threat.

Unfortunately, our worst fears are coming true, and even today I am very concerned that the response even given this news is just way too modest.

I think if you suspend that program tomorrow, you will start saving the taxpayer money and create more pressure for the reform you are describing.

Can you commit to us that you will keep us and the Congress fully apprised of your moving projections with regard to that...

I think we need to learn that lesson for Sandy.

I will be very brief, particularly since I may have to leave when the hearing is still proceeding.

I wanted to be here for three reasons. First of all, to express our strong support for all of the victims of Sandy.

We are very committed to continuing that tradition, to coming together, to getting full input and to producing a good, solid, responsible, bipartisan WRDA bill.

All of our hearts go out to all of those affected.

Thank you, Chairman Boxer, for all your leadership, for calling this hearing, and for your draft.

That is basically just a tax on commerce.

A lasting legacy of both of you on this Committee is to come together, to bridge partisan divides on important national priorities.

We need to use those supposedly dedicated revenues for the purposes for which they are intended: dredging waterways, keeping commerce flowing.

I have filed legislation to move the project around responsibility of many COE projects to the State and local government.

I will send you the post-Hurricane Katrina language because I think it gets clear, not just the authority, but mandates to COE to look at significant additional protection like that.

Lower Jefferson is exactly the sort of area I am talking about that was promised protection.

I drafted the language.

What do you tell the people of lower Jefferson who did not obstruct help for their neighbors to the north, and are now left out in the cold?

I urge you to do that re-look. That is very similar to the re-look we met about and discussed regarding Morganza.

I think it is very important to understand what happened during Hurricane Isaac.