Barbara Mikulski: “like all of us here today, I want to extend my sympathies to the communities and families of the upper Midwest who have…”

“like all of us here today, I want to extend my sympathies to the communities and families of the upper Midwest who have experienced the terrible flooding over the past several weeks. It brings back vivid memories of the flooding that hit western Maryland last year and I know all Marylanders join me in extending our thoughts and prayers to everyone in the Midwest. Like many of my colleagues, I was hoping for quick consideration of this important legislation so we could speed relief to disaster victims. They are counting on us to help them get back on their feet-- to help them rebuild their homes and businesses. I am so disappointed that what should have been a speedy, nonpartisan targeted relief bill has turned into another nasty partisan battle. I am greatly concerned about the many extraneous provisions that have been wedged into this bill. The provisions are designed to inflame and divide us and to provoke a veto from the President. They make it so much more difficult to get assistance to the people in flood ravaged communities who are counting on us. I am particularly alarmed by the inclusion in this package of what is artfully called the Shutdown Prevention Act.”