Mary Landrieu

We have to find a better way, whether it is along the Mississippi, for which we are very appreciative and understand it is very unique.

It is not going to be easy, but it is imperative that we find some solutions here for our people.

I cannot tell you the number of people that have come to me and said, 'Senator, I can afford my mortgage. I cannot afford my insurance.'

It would seem to me a more reasonable approach would be to develop the maps together, in sort of a not adversarial, but in a partnership, because that is what this is.

I mean, New Orleans will be celebrating its 300th year in 2018, and literally for 300 years, the people of New Orleans and surrounding areas have been building levees and investing millions and millions and billions and billions of dollars.

A 1977 law prohibits Federal funding for new construction in what we call High-Velocity Zones.

If you could submit that, because it is my understanding that FEMA is authorized to provide up to $250,000 to a community for mapping support activities.

So you haven't been able to help one community?

This really is an issue of national significance.

One of the things I am trying to get to is how many communities around the country have asked for technical assistance and been denied.

This is not just a Southern issue. It is not just a Gulf Coast issue.

I want to begin by saying how pleased I am to host this joint meeting.

We have to figure out how to live in a sustainable way.

We will continue working with all of our stakeholders to analyze and identify flood risks.

No matter what zone you are in, most of our constituents think they are paying too much for flood insurance.

So would you say that you think 30 percent of your maps, whether they are digitized or in the old form, reflect this high-quality elevation data?

It is my understanding that under current law, FEMA can provide a community up to $250,000 to help them with mapping.

I represent a diverse group of constituents with a variety of problems.

It is very conceivable that this action by our own Government will turn out to have more economic devastation than the spill itself.

We believe that we can have a vibrant tourism industry.

This should not and must not be a political game.

I would also, Ms. Randolph, like to ask you to submit for the Congressional Record the resolution from the National Association of Counties.

I do not feel like we are being protected or served at all.

It is an extremely important point.

Tens of thousands of hard-working American lives hang in the balance.