I come to the floor today in support of the legislation before us, and to talk about companion efforts that can and should be undertaken to create jobs and ensure that people around the country are better protected from natural disasters. I support providing incentives to homeowners to make their homes energy efficient. However, at the same time, I believe we must help Americans make their homes stronger and safer. I have long been a proponent of disaster mitigation and resiliency measures, and in fact, have sponsored a number of pieces of legislation that would assist families in strengthening their homes. I have also drafted an amendment to the Home Star bill, which though I did not offer, I am hoping can be the basis for discussions with the House, Senate and Administration as this bill moves forward. Americans across the country are at risk from natural disasters. Though we cannot easily mitigate the disasters themselves, we can mitigate and lessen their impact. Homes can be strengthened to protect from the devastating effects of hurricanes, earthquakes, flooding, and tornadoes. Strengthening roof attachments, creating water barriers and seals, constructing saferooms, elevating electrical systems, adding storm shutters and roof protection systems are examples of what can be done to save lives and property. Disaster resiliency not only helps better protect our residents and their property, but it creates jobs and is cost effective.…
Share & report
More from Bennie Thompson
Republicans use the language of invasion and great replacement theory, but invasion in the Constitution means invasion during an act of war by a foreign nation or insurrection from within. I direct my Republican colleagues to Federalist…
If my Republican colleagues were serious about the border, then they would drop this baseless impeachment and bring up the Senate's bipartisan border agreement for debate. Be that as it may, they aren't serious about reform. Speaker…
The Republicans highlight the Secretary's enforcement guidelines as an example of breaking the law. They fail to mention that the conservative Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals said: ``The guidance does not necessarily violate a single word…
The border is not open. In fact, under Secretary Mayorkas' leadership, this administration has removed, returned, or expelled more migrants in 3 years than the Trump administration did in 4 years. Madam Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the…





