Political Quotes

“I want to thank Congresswoman Waters for her courtesy and, of course, for her leadership on this issue. I also want to thank the subcommittee chairwoman, Mrs. Biggert, as well as Financial Services Chairman Bachus and Ranking Member Frank, for their bipartisan work on this piece of legislation. I consulted with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle with regard to my amendment, and I believe this will be included en bloc with the other amendments. Homeowners, businesses and regions throughout the country are hit by flood disasters every year, and I understand that, in such traumatic and desperate times, our communities must be prepared and equipped with the most up-to-date information and resources. I have repeatedly met with my constituents and district county judges, specifically Judge Eloy Vera from Starr County in South Texas, who experienced flooding issues recently. I learned that flood zone maps had not been updated for decades--decades--and that this hampered economic development when they were struck by a flood recently. The reasons for outdated flood maps vary, and maps from the 1970s are not uncommon, but there is a need to strengthen the relationships between entities that handle flood insurance maps to address regional concerns. My amendment is simple and bipartisan.…”