Political Quotes

“We know earthquakes pose one of the greatest natural hazards here in the United States. They strike without warning and result in potentially catastrophic casualties and damage to buildings and infrastructure. The Pacific Northwest is at risk of severe earthquakes, tsunamis, and volcanic eruptions. According to the experts, a massive earthquake is coming to the area. We just don't know when. Six years ago this month, a 9.0 earthquake in Japan created a tsunami that killed over 15,000 people and caused a nuclear disaster. Earthquakes cannot be prevented, but their impacts on life, property, and the economy can be managed. FEMA is responsible for coordinating the Federal response to a catastrophic earthquake, and has been diligently working to help States plan and prepare for an earthquake. Good planning and preparedness can save lives and property. H.R. 654, the Pacific Northwest Earthquake Preparedness Act of 2017, directs FEMA to plan the development of an earthquake early warning system for the Cascadia Subduction Zone. The bill also directs the President to establish an earthquake and tsunami task force to develop a comprehensive strategy and recommendations on how to prepare and plan for seismic events. I want to commend the ranking member for his leadership on this critical national issue.…”