On the recordMay 4, 2022
when vigorous storms attack the heartland and destroy crops, I hope that the President has emergency powers to assist those farmers. When fires--fiercer fires in a longer fire season--proceed to burn not just one town but six towns to the ground in the State of Oregon in an almost unbelievable, horrendous reduction to ashes, I hope the President has emergency powers to declare a major disaster and assist the good people of my State or your State when these disasters happen. If changing temperatures and changing rain patterns bring the sandfly to Texas and leishmaniasis or some other deadly disease, then, indeed, the President needs to have the power to declare a public health service emergency. Taking away the ability for the President to declare major disasters or health emergencies or national emergencies when there are disasters striking our people is a terrible idea, and I encourage you to vote no on this motion to instruct. Vote on Motion The PRESIDING OFFICER. The question is on agreeing to the motion.
