Issue Position: Hurricane Recovery
Issue Position
Disaster Response
"Our community experienced the flaws of FEMA's business practices first hand, and for many the assistance that was provided was too little or too late. This is unacceptable, and I am fully committed to comprehensive reform of the agency." -- Congressman Joseph Cao
* Eliminate "red tape" from FEMA's recovery and rebuilding operations
* Enhance federal disaster response capabilities, and coordinate them with local efforts
* Improve hurricane preparedness through better storm forecasting, the design of a more efficient evacuation assistance process, and the streamlining of "road home" programs
Protection
"I believe that the federal government must do everything possible to assist those in need, as well as protect them from future harm. I have consistently sponsored and supported all legislation that improves assistance programs, enhances protection measures, or expedites the recovery process." -- Congressman Joseph Cao
* Improve our system of levees, canals, and flood barriers to protect us from future storms stronger than Katrina and Rita
* Direct the rapid rebuilding of the most vital elements of our hurricane protection network, and hold the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers accountable for their work
* Protect disaster victims from insurance scams, fraudulent contractors, and dangerous consumer products like "Chinese Drywall"
Coastal Restoration
"We must provide future generations with an opportunity to enjoy our natural resources, and we must realize that coastal restoration is a vital part of protecting area residents from future storms." -- Congressman Joseph Cao
* Provide adequate federal funding for coastal wetland restoration projects
* Increase Louisiana's share of revenues from federally managed oil and gas leases, so that profits can be better invested to responsibly repair and protect our coast
* Strengthen energy industry standards and liability laws; preventing future disasters, lessening coastal erosion, and holding corporations accountable for their overall impact on the environment and the local economies that depend on it
Congressman Cao's accomplishments on these issues include:
* Leading the investigation of FEMA's Gulf Coast Recovery Office resulting in its closure, and the restructuring of federal aid within the recovery process.
* Facilitating the release of over $139 million to fund storm protection projects, including the restoration of coastal ecosystems, levee construction, waterway maintenance, and the implementation of enhanced hurricane protection technologies.
* Securing $550,000 to support Global Green USA in building affordable and environmentally responsible housing in the Lower 9th Ward.
* Securing $8.8 million for the repair of law enforcement and emergency personnel facilities damaged during Hurricane Katrina.
* Securing $750,000 to upgrade New Orleans' Emergency Management System, which will ensure better preparedness for any future storms.
* Securing $93.6 million in funding for recovery, rebuilding, and planning projects that benefited Orleans, Jefferson, and St. Bernard Parishes.
* Co-sponsoring the National Hurricane Research Initiative Act to enhance hurricane preparedness through improved storm forecasting.
* Securing $5 million to purchase portable emergency facilities that can be rapidly deployed to disaster areas.
* Facilitating the release of $17 million for sewerage and drainage improvements, critical for both hurricane preparation and environmental protection.
* Securing $2.1 million for the establishment of two permanent facilities for New Orleans EMS, which since Katrina had operated out of trailers.
* Providing relief disaster relief efforts with $13 million, to be used for food banks, vaccinations, and safety services for low income families.
* Securing $56 million in funding for vital levee and flood control projects along the Mississippi River, without which the levees would be insufficient to protect against future natural disasters.
* Co-sponsoring the FEMA Independence Act re-establishing the Federal Emergency Management Agency as an independent cabinet-level agency within the executive branch.
Source