Rep. Poe Attends Emergency Preparedness Meeting

REP. POE ATTENDS EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS MEETING
Congressman Poe meets with Houston Consuls General of European Union

02/08/06

HOUSTON, TX - Congressman Ted Poe (TX-02), member of the International Relations Committee, met with Houston Consuls General from the European Union last week to discuss emergency procedures for future disasters. The meeting provided an opportunity for Congressman Poe and local Consuls General to come together to discuss how local Consulates can stay in contact with their nationals during a time of crisis, such as what happened recently with Hurricanes Katrina and Rita. Among many subjects presented, the group discussed ways in which the State Department can work directly with local Consulates on developing a system to locate foreign nationals who have evacuated in an effort to notify their families in their countries.

"It is important that this type of dialogue take place on a regular basis in an effort to have a plan in place when hit with a disaster, such as a hurricane, that affects so many people in our country," said Poe. "I appreciate the suggestions and pro-active concern from our local Consuls General in regards to this matter and will address them before the International Relations Committee."

http://www.house.gov/poe/pressreleases/feb06/consul2-8.htm