Norman D. Dicks: “This year natural disasters have had devastating impacts on the lives of many Americans. Today we are considering a bill…”

“This year natural disasters have had devastating impacts on the lives of many Americans. Today we are considering a bill that provides relief to those severely damaged communities. In total, the bill provides $8.1 billion in vital funding to rebuild areas affected by numerous horrific disasters in 2011, as well as funding long-term rebuilding needs that date back as far as Hurricane Katrina. Of the $8.1 billion, $6.4 billion is for FEMA. This funding will meet the Federal commitment to restore impacted areas after hurricanes, tornadoes, wildfires, and severe snowstorms. Almost every State and territory will receive a portion of this funding. With the adoption of this bill, families and businesses will receive the funding they need for vital recovery and rebuilding efforts. The bill also provides $1.7 billion to repair damage to Corps of Engineers facilities, roughly equal to the need identified by the Corps within Presidentially declared disaster areas. In nearly every year since 1997, the Congress has recognized the need to provide funding to respond to natural disasters. This bill recognizes that responsibility. I urge strong support of this legislation. I reserve the balance of my time.”