David Obey: “I had not intended to do this at this time, but since the gentleman from South Dakota [Mr. Thune] is here, I would like…”

“I had not intended to do this at this time, but since the gentleman from South Dakota [Mr. Thune] is here, I would like to get his attention to express a point of concern on his amendment. I do not intend to oppse the amendment of the gentleman when it is offered later on in the debate because on our side of the aisle we supported the President's original request for a supplemental appropriation for community development block grant funding, as well as funding for FEMA; and we were asked by the majority side of the aisle to withhold on that for the time being, and we did. I am happy that my colleagues have now seen fit to support the idea. But I am concerned about a couple specifics in the amendment. As I understand the amendment, if reduces $1.2 billion for FEMA to $700 million, leaving FEMA with many valid claims on its disaster relief fund that it may not be able to pay. I would say, in general debate, I think there are a number of questions I need to ask the gentleman about his amendment, because if they are not fixed up in conference, they will cause a substantial problem for FEMA to FEMA's ability to deliver needed assistance around the country. So I would appreciate if the gentleman would be prepared to answer those questions.”