Political Quotes

“Mr. Speaker, I am pleased that we are here today to consider my bill, H.R. 4058, the Enhancing Stakeholder Support and Outreach for Preparedness Grants Act. This bill mandates that the Federal Emergency Management Agency, or FEMA, provide ongoing outreach, engagement, education, technical assistance, and support to stakeholders before, during, and after awards for the State Homeland Security Program and the Urban Area Security Initiative, two of the Department's leading grant programs that address preventing, mitigating, and responding to acts of terrorism. Throughout this Congress, the Committee on Homeland Security has heard a clear bipartisan message: Preparedness grants work. Time and again, first responders and homeland security professionals alike have warned us that without steady, reliable Federal investment, our Nation's readiness will suffer, and our communities will be left more vulnerable to the threats that we face. They have told us in no uncertain terms that now is not the time to pull back and now is the time to lean in. Now is the time to strengthen these programs and ensure grantees have a meaningful voice in shaping the policies that guide their work on the ground.”