Mary Landrieu

We will try to be as honest and as forthright in our assessments of what this budget is reflecting.

We must be careful where we cut our national maritime defense, especially as we increase exports and trade through our waterways.

It will be the responsibility of this subcommittee, as well as other Committees in the Senate and House, to craft a program that works decade to decade.

I am going to continue my work as chair here with my members to continue to help build a smarter and better FEMA.

The issues of solvency and affordability are two equally important goals, and that is what our new law attempts to secure.

I want to make sure that we are using the tools that are available to us to make sure that if illegal dumping is occurring, if their businesses are being constricted, if their abilities to make a profit and hire people in America are being…

I have got 400,000 people in Louisiana, 500 million across the country affected by this.

I think it is very important for our budget to maintain a commitment, along with education and defense, on meeting the challenge today.

We will continue to work. And my final question is on the cybersecurity education.

I continue to advocate for smart mitigation programs that save taxpayers $4 for every dollar spent for actions like elevating a home or office building.

I urge my colleagues to pass that bill this week.

This budget includes full funding for future disasters, $7 billion, with an ability to draw down another five if necessary in the emergency fund.

While it is promoted that it is a 2.8-percent cut, without being able to raise the fees that are required in the President budget, which are quite a lot--almost $1 billion.

A fourth priority which Senate Coats and I most certainly share, and you do as well--I noticed in your testimony--is cybersecurity and cybercrime.

I know that Senator Coats had his questions asked and answered.

I have worked tirelessly to create a more agile and responsive FEMA and provide it with the right tools that allow communities to recover faster and rebuild smarter.

I am proud that we were able to include an annual limit on individual rate increases.

The flood insurance bill that falls under the jurisdiction of this Committee with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) had good intentions, but it had absolutely draconian consequences to middle class families, over 5 million…

I am just very proud of your leadership on that and very proud of your leadership on this Committee.

Maria Cantwell is correct.

Senator Cantwell will bring an outreach to Native Americans, who are also left out, forgotten.

I know that Senator Cantwell will provide great leadership to this Committee.

Small business is the engine of job growth in America and innovation, so therefore, we need a champion.

I do not think we are doing enough to reach them.

Carl Levin was particularly focused on helping us.