Emergency Disaster Aid for the Midwest

Floor Speech

Mr. LATHAM. Mr. Speaker, last week I argued on the floor that the House should not leave for its 5-week August break until we pass emergency disaster funding for the Midwest. We have been told by the House and Senate leadership that there simply isn't enough time to get the job done before we leave. I say, Why not? The history of this House is replete with time after time--in hours--passing bills to help for national disasters.

Instead, today, we're going to do 38 bills on the floor of the House, things like naming a post office in New York; things like supporting the goals and ideals of National Apple Month and the Apple Crunch; congratulating University of Florida quarterback Tim Tebow for winning the Heisman Trophy; congratulating the University of Tennessee for winning the national championship.

Isn't it ironic that the Democrat leadership less than 2 weeks ago found time for a 4-day tour of the gulf to pat themselves on the back on disaster aid and don't have time for the Midwest?

We should not leave here without passing disaster aid for the Midwest, and anyone who votes for adjournment should be held accountable.

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