Political Quotes

“as we have watched the terrible news coming from Southern California, our hearts go out to the thousands of families that have been displaced. Lives have been disrupted, and in some cases people have died. It is much too early to make judgments about what we could do to reduce that suffering and loss. We do not fully know really what happened there yet and why. But it is important for us to reflect on other areas where we can act to help make our families safer. In our history the greatest loss from natural disaster has been from flooding, and here we can do something about it. Floods are our most destructive natural hazard. Since the 1990's, flood losses have doubled to over $6 billion a year, and hundreds of lives have been lost. This House, before we adjourn for the year, has the opportunity to reauthorize the Flood Insurance Program to help make a difference. This program was created in 1968 to help people who are in flood-prone areas, authored by some people who knew about floods for example, the late Hale Boggs from Louisiana. Prior to that time, insurance companies generally did not offer insurance to people in these high-risk areas because of the uncertainty that has been involved. Since we authorized the National Flood Insurance Program, it has, in fact, been quite successful. By the year 2000, there have been $10 billion paid out in claims to some almost 4 rac{1}{2} ext{ million policy holders.}”