Martin Sabo: “I, for one, had concerns when we created the Department of Homeland Security and put FEMA in it that it would mean that…”

“I, for one, had concerns when we created the Department of Homeland Security and put FEMA in it that it would mean that what was a very efficient, small, responsive governmental agency would get lost in the maze of the new Department. And in some ways, and especially as it relates to funding, I think that has happened. FEMA's funding had been allowed to dip to a very low level, down to $44 million, before the administration insisted to Congress that they should have some supplemental funding. This is not good for the program or for the country, to have such low balance. The gentleman from Virginia's (Mr. Moran) motion to recommit would put the disaster relief program back on sound financial footing. So I would urge Members to vote for the Moran motion and do good things for the country and do good things for FEMA.”