It's hard to deny that there is such a thing as climate change.

However, this methodology is not building equity in Louisiana.

I just want to kind of jump in on a couple of points, one of which is, you mentioned these resources.

I would just implore that you guys continue pushing but push a little faster, a little harder, to give some relief.

Thank you. FEMA has increased its staffing since 2017. However, even with the increase in staffing, FEMA still has some 6,000 people short of its staffing goal of 17,670, which FEMA hopes to achieve by 2026.

I hope to hear from you today about how you're working to make flood insurance more affordable, more accessible, and not just become a luxury that only the wealthy can afford.

To reinforce strong recruitment and retention of FEMA employees and ensure the agency can succeed at its mission, FEMA must prioritize hiring of full-time employees under Title 5 authority.

We have a very robust outreach program in Louisiana's Second Congressional District where we take our efforts to the community.

Let me add to the chorus of appreciation from the Members that's been expressed today for the great work that the men and women of FEMA do.

I mentioned to the Secretary my concerns with Risk Rating 2.0 methodology, and he stated, and I quote: 'We're reviewing our grants program to ensure that, again, that they leave no community disenfranchised.'

I find it kind of disturbing in many ways that this is public transportation, billions of dollars going to it.

I think the American people have a right to know.

Give them the shot in the arm of confidence that this is actually going to happen.

I think transparency is so important.

Do you believe that the Stafford Act should be reviewed as well as a document that may have lived out its usefulness?

I have lived through Katrina, and served my community in our time of need.

I know disasters. I have lived with them my entire life.

Obviously, making sure that we don't have the ability to slow or damage the recovery efforts.

There may not be a more vulnerable stretch of America to natural disasters than the gulf coast.

We know they are coming, and we know they tend to come faster and stronger.

Weak gun laws are killing children. They're killing parents and grandparents. They are killing law enforcement officers.

If we want to talk about protecting the homeland and supporting law enforcement, we must talk about the weapons of war that are on our streets.

We see the rise of white supremacy and the violence that's acted out on the streets of America every day.

We, as a committee and as a Congress, have a responsibility to do better.

We want to make sure that we protect and provide resources so our good police officers are able to protect and serve all communities.