Summer Lee

We were fearful that everyone would move in that direction, but you needed help. We all need help.

First of all, let me thank our Chairman and Ranking Member for this, I think, very thoughtful and important hearing.

We care about Puerto Rico as we do the Virgin Islands. I can't name one politician that might have come in and been grandstanding.

I am stunned about politicians and partisanship because I know that Congressional persons, Republicans and Democrats came to Puerto Rico with the greatest sincerity.

I think people had to be there to understand the catastrophic nature of it.

I think there should be major announcement so that both inner city and rural areas and urban areas are aware of that potential through the local government.

Disaster has to be a Federal responsibility working with our local leaders from the State to the cities and counties.

I introduced the first relief bill, which was for $174 billion.

I would like to put three questions on the record for Mr. Brock Long to hear.

I think it is important to express appreciation, but also to be honest on where we are today.

I think it is important to acknowledge again that when we speak we speak for our brothers and sisters in the Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico.

I hope that we can have succeeding hearings on the ongoing recovery of our respective communities.

The Federal Government should not run every aspect of our lives--but it is an umbrella on a rainy day--it is a shelter in a powerful storm.

H.R. 3686 was introduced with 44 original sponsors, who joined me in supporting funding for Texas Hurricane Harvey Recovery.

The Federal Government is help when no other source of help can meet the challenges of long-term recovery we may be facing is sufficient.

We need to do more events of this nature to get help to those who are in need of assistance.

FEMA's mission is supposed to be 'helping people before, during, and after disasters.'

That is not the kind of leadership the people of Puerto Rico, or any Americans affected by disasters, expect or deserve.

Despite the devastation, it took 43 DAYS for President Trump to approve Public Assistance Program disaster aid to Puerto Rico.

I introduced in the 114th and again in the 115th a compressive Cyber Security Education and the Workforce Enhancement Act, which seeks to prepare more women and minority students and early stage to mid-career professionals within the…

We cannot afford to waste that kind of time.

I just mention coding is something that can be taught out of high school and they can go into a very, very productive employment that would have young people supporting families and being very productive.

I believe that it is important to take note of a number of statistics that I hope to get a hearing on particular legislation that I have.

I want to thank the full committee, the subcommittee Chair, and subcommittee Ranking Member and full committee Chair and full committee Ranking Member on working with me on my zero-day legislation.

Congress has given DHS the authorities and structures it needs to develop that workforce, and it is on DHS to implement them.