On the recordFebruary 25, 2015
I thank the gentleman for having this Special Order. Mr. Speaker, let me bring an additional perspective to the importance of local broadcasters, TV, radio. I live down on the gulf coast. We call where I live in my district ``hurricane alley.'' Just since I have been in Congress, Hurricane Katrina, Hurricane Rita, Hurricane Humberto, Hurricane Ike, and Hurricane Gustav have all hit my congressional district. Now, some blame me. It is not my fault, but here they come, all of these hurricanes. We are down on the gulf coast, and as soon as the hurricanes come through, guess what, there goes the power--electricity. Besides all of the flooding, the damage, the wind, all of this happens when hurricane season comes upon us in the summer. The local folks, to get information, if they are still at home, they are watching local TV. Many are not because they have to leave because of rising water and wind damage. When Hurricane Ike came into Galveston, Texas, it went across the island, and then when the wind shifted, it came back across the island, but that saltwater went across and came back. Tremendous damage in Galveston, Texas. The only thing the people could listen to or find information, really, was their car radio as they are trying to leave the area. The radio stations and TV stations that are still on the air are very vital for public safety and information and about the weather. People listen to the local broadcasters about what is happening right there.…
