Supporting a loan, even if they could do it before the storm, is going to be impossible after the storm.

As I have said, Hurricane Sandy reminded us of a very stark reality. We can either invest in protections now or we will pay more later.

Good morning, everyone. Thank you for joining us for this very important hearing on the response and recovery and the challenges before us to Hurricane Sandy.

Well, I'd like for this hearing, for you to submit as many of your suggestions for a smarter recovery and rebuilding to this subcommittee as soon as possible.

But can I ask you what $5 million in loan authorization is going to do to help any community?

I have called upon Congress to enact supplemental disaster legislation before the 112th Congress adjourns in January.

Congress should not allow itself to get tied up in knots engaging in a political debate over offsets.

If we could use some of those tools that we're going to provide for the east coast sort of retroactively for Hurricanes Katrina and Rita and some other open disasters, potentially we could resolve the outstanding issues and save taxpayers…

I can't underscore the significance of the need for flexibility in the disaster recovery grants.

Thank you very much, Senator Lautenberg. You've been a strong voice since the day the storm hit...

I am very pleased that we have been able to take this step.

No one is more anxious to close out the Katrina-Rita storm than the people on the gulf coast.

We are here today to evaluate response and recovery efforts in the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy.

I have spoken with you several times since Hurricane Sandy about the need to provide flexible Disaster Recovery Grants.

That is what local officials, Senator Murray, have asked for.

I would really like to echo what previous panelists said about the need for immigration reform.

I could not agree with you more. And there was a bill that I actually supported that would have done just that.

It has been a privilege, Senator, to lead this committee with you.

Senator Snowe has proved time and time again to be a hard working, dedicated public servant and a role model for men and women alike.

I urge our committee members to be open to weigh the benefits of the subsidy that is being provided for the benefit that is occurring.

We made history by becoming the first two female lawmakers to ever be Chair and Ranking Member of any standing committee in Congress.

She has demonstrated time and time again the art of political compromise, a skill, I might say, that is required in any democratic form of government.

We worked hand in glove to reform the SBA's disaster programs.

I want to express my gratitude to the fellow committee members, Senator Shaheen, which we do have a special partnership.

I have worked on manufacturing issues--in fact, we co-chaired the Manufacturing Task Force.