Disaster Tax Relief Act of 2008

DISASTER TAX RELIEF ACT OF 2008 -- (House of Representatives - September 24, 2008)

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Mr. LAMPSON. Thank you, Mr. Kind, for allowing me to have a little bit of time to talk.

I come to the floor in strong support of H.R. 7006, the Disaster Relief Act of 2008.

Last Saturday, September 13, Hurricane Ike barreled through southeast Texas and in its wake left some of the worst destruction in U.S. history.

I had the pleasure of working closely with my friend, Congressman Brady, and other colleagues in the Houston area, in trying to put our pieces back together again for so many people.

Hurricane Ike inflicted massive wind and flood damage, leaving many residents without a home, others in homes without power. Texans endured the largest power outage in our State's history, leaving millions without electricity and with limited access to water, food and fuel. People like my own daughter, who, thank goodness, had evacuated to some 300 miles away from her home, and when they returned, found that a tree had crashed through their house, left a 3-foot by 5-foot hole which flooded their home. Thank goodness, that tree, unfortunately, had fallen into the bed where my 2-year-old granddaughter sleeps. But even in the face of devastation, we can find mighty blessings for which we can be most thankful.

Last week I spent every waking moment helping my constituents recover and rebound from this storm. I worked with House Chief Administrative Officer Dan Beard to establish a mobile congressional office with some 225 laptop computers and telephones. The mobile office allowed displaced residents with nowhere to turn to have an opportunity to quickly get information and to get in touch. Texans used that office for everything from registering for FEMA assistance, finding a hotel, to finding a loved one, or just getting in touch with someone to talk to.

After witnessing the expansive destruction and devastation left by Hurricane Ike, I am determined to make certain that essential Federal tax relief flows quickly to our communities. It is absolutely critical that the Disaster Tax Relief Act of 2008 pass this Chamber and be signed into law without delay.

By removing income limitations on personal loss deductions, this bill helps hardworking Texans affected by the storm get back on their feet more quickly. This bill also helps Texans rebuild by waiving mortgage revenue bond requirements to allow bond proceeds to be used for rebuilding purposes.

The storm left thousands of businesses shuttered and closed, unable to operate without power or with significant property destruction and flood damage.

The SPEAKER pro tempore. The time of the gentleman has expired.

Mr. KIND. I yield the gentleman 1 additional minute.

Mr. LAMPSON. This bill helps businesses recover by allowing them to write off disaster clean-up expenses. The act's 5-year carry-back provision will help businesses that sustained disaster-related losses, and the new disaster private activity bonds will greatly aid business reconstruction.

Every Texan lent a helping hand during this crisis. I was amazed at how many neighbors welcomed neighbors into their homes, how many churches and hospitals and businesses and military facilities opened their doors to evacuees, how many volunteers showed up on our doorstep from around the State and around the country. Now it is important that the Federal Government lend a helping hand to Texas.

Thank you, Mr. Kind, for the time. I encourage my colleagues to pass H.R. 7006 with dispatch.

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