Donald Payne Jr.

Climate change is here. It's happening. The scientific evidence is there, and it is a threat to our security.

What would you say to the people that still have doubts about the current science pointing to the fact that human activity is contributing to climate change?

I stay committed to raising these issues on a National level in order that there is some equity for all Americans in disaster times.

I would like to thank the witnesses for their testimony today. It has been invaluable.

Let me be clear: Climate change is here, it is happening, and the scientific evidence is there, and it is a threat to our security.

If we do not start taking steps to address this issue, it will soon be too late.

The world is getting warmer, and that's a fact.

As climate change continues to make extreme weather events worse, our critical infrastructure will be at risk of failing.

It is kind of a tag-team approach between what PHMSA can do with transmission lines and the State oversight.

I understand the IAFC prepares programs to assist LEPCs in strengthening their pipeline incident preparedness efforts.

Thank you for holding this timely hearing as well.

It is critical that the LEPCs are up and effectively running.

I take a lot of pride in that as well.

It takes a will of both the locality as well as industry to meet and form the LEPC.

I want to make sure that it is safe and protected.

I think he stated it best, and I agree with both sides. It is a bit of a dilemma to be in this position.

That starts with investing more in preparedness before a disaster occurs, with the hope of saving lives and property and reducing costs after a disaster.

Based on the outcomes from the 2017 storms, particularly in Puerto Rico, there is no question that the Federal Government's response needs improvement.

Research shows that for every dollar we invest in mitigation funding, we save $6 from reduced damage after a disaster.

As we have seen the last few years, disasters are affecting communities across America more frequently and more intensely.

However, FEMA's Pre-Disaster Mitigation Fund still gets shortchanged every year. That needs to change.

Congress has to ensure that the Federal Government is doing everything possible to support communities as they prepare for and recover from disasters.

Unfortunately, funding for preparedness grants, the Homeland Security Grant Program, has not fully rebounded from cuts imposed by the Republican-controlled House in fiscal years 2011 and 2012.

Research shows that for every $1 we invest in mitigation funding, we save $6 from reduced damage after a disaster.

In addition to being on this subcommittee, I am also a member of the Homeland Security Committee, and I am very concerned about the use of drones for the wrong reasons, reasons such as terrorist attacks, or to cause air traffic disruptions…