"We need that leadership at the head of FEMA, especially during these trying times."
"Congratulations on the appointment, Mr. Gaynor. I want to start just by asking you if you recall a letter that I sent to you in July that deals specifically with flood insurance."
"I am glad to hear you had a good relationship with FEMA, because that is part of the challenge, is getting the FEMA reimbursements after some of these problems to deal with the animals."
"These animals are members of our families, and their safety has a major impact on how people prepare for, respond to, and recover from disasters."
"a person will not leave a domestic violence situation or a home where there is abuse if they can't take their pet with them."
"we need to do something."
"I will note that, in the recently passed Disaster Recovery Reform Act, known as DRRA, we included language to establish veterinary response teams."
"However, much to my dismay, FEMA has so far chosen to ignore this provision."
"So let us be judged today by what we can accomplish to protect animals in disasters."
"When we take care of animals during a disaster, it makes it easier for people to be willing to evacuate and then later to begin the process of recovery."
"We have heard a lot today about how the Global Gag Rule has a negative impact on women, generally."