Political Quotes

“I chair the Subcommittee on Science which has oversight of the U.S. Fire Administration and the first responders. The fact is that we need the experience of FEMA in this new Department of Homeland Security. I understand the arguments that it would be nice to keep them separate, but the fact is they are the most experienced body. They have the tools, they have the equipment, they have the experience. I think we are not going to diminish what they are doing now, but we are probably going to expand the capabilities of what they do in responding to natural disasters. The next amendment, I think, makes it clear that we have to keep FEMA together in this new Department of national security, and I trust that the gentleman making this first amendment is going to support that amendment, but I would say to my colleagues, vote against this amendment. The fact is, the Fire Administration, the fire responders, the first responders believe that it is important that they stay in FEMA and that FEMA be part of this new homeland security.”