Political Quotes

“H.R. 2608 authorizes two important interagency programs to coordinate the federal government's efforts to mitigate the loss of life and property from earthquakes and windstorms. I'd like to thank Congressman Neugebauer for all of his hard work and effort as the author and driving force behind the National Windstorm Impact Reduction Program. I'd also like to thank Congressman Lofgren for helping me craft the National Earthquake Hazards Reduction Program reauthorization and shepherding it through the legislative process. Damaging earthquakes are inevitable, however infrequent they may be. Total annualized damages from earthquakes in the United States are estimated to be about $4.4 billion in direct financial losses. The 1994 Northridge earthquake in California (magnitude 6.7) was the most costly in U.S. history, causing over $40 billion in damages. Further, all or parts of 39 states are within zones where the probability of an earthquake occurring is great. Recent research indicates that areas in the eastern and central United States are at greater risk of earthquake occurrence than earlier evidence indicated. The threat from earthquakes is constant and far reaching. Indeed, earthquakes are clearly not just a state or regional problem, but a nationwide problem, demanding nationwide mitigation.”