Supporting the Goals and Ideals of National Hurricane Preparedness Week

Floor Speech

SUPPORTING THE GOALS AND IDEALS OF NATIONAL HURRICANE PREPAREDNESS WEEK -- (House of Representatives - May 21, 2007)

Mr. MELANCON. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution (H. Res. 402) supporting the goals and ideals of National Hurricane Preparedness Week.

BREAK IN TRANSCRIPT

Mr. MELANCON. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days to revise and extend their remarks and include extraneous material on H. Res. 402.

The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there objection to the request of the gentleman from Louisiana?

There was no objection.

Mr. MELANCON. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.

Mr. Speaker, I am here today with a resolution with my friend, the gentleman from Florida (Mr. Mario Diaz-Balart), that will help to make America aware of hurricanes and the devastation. This resolution supports the goals and ideals of National Hurricane Preparedness Week. It encourages the staff of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, especially at the National Weather Service and the National Hurricane Center and other appropriate Federal agencies, to continue their outstanding work to educate people in the United States about hurricane preparedness.

It also urges the people of the United States to recognize such a week as an opportunity to learn more about the work of the National Hurricane Center to forecast hurricanes and to educate citizens about the potential risks associated with hurricanes.

In light of the storms and devastation caused by Katrina and Rita in August and September of 2005, I think it is appropriate that America be aware of the situations with hurricanes, particularly since some 53 percent of all Americans live along the coastal areas of this country.

BREAK IN TRANSCRIPT

Mr. MELANCON. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.

Mr. Speaker, Mr. Mario Diaz-Balart covered the subject matter of the resolution with a tremendous explanation of why we need to be attentive to National Hurricane Week. This June 1 begins the 2007 hurricane season here in the United States, and I hope that recognition here on the floor today will make people aware throughout this country, particularly the people affected by these hurricanes, aware of the dangers and the need to pay attention to oncoming storms.

BREAK IN TRANSCRIPT

Source