Federal Emergency Management Agency Continuing Appropriations Resolution, 2014

Floor Speech

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Mrs. BROOKS of Indiana. Mr. Speaker, as chairman of the Committee on Homeland Security's Subcommittee on Emergency Preparedness, Response and Communications, I rise in support of the National Emergency and Disaster Recovery Act, which does provide the vital funding for Federal Emergency Management Agency, funding that can make a difference right now.

And it is right now that we need to be caring about the citizens of Louisiana, Alabama and Mississippi, as Tropical Storm Karen is in the Gulf of Mexico headed toward the gulf coast. Landfall is expected this weekend. We don't know what to expect, much like we didn't know what to expect when Hurricane Sandy hit.

FEMA has begun its response of preparations and has recalled those furloughed staff because they know it's their duty to serve and protect. So this bill would ensure that all FEMA personnel and capabilities are available to respond to this storm and support the States in its path.

Hurricane season doesn't end this weekend. It doesn't end officially until November 30. We have to make sure that these agencies are ready to respond, whether it's a natural disaster, a terrorist attack, or other emergency needing Federal support.

I have tell you, this is not a game. This is not a charade. And until now, I have been so pleased to serve on Homeland Security, where it enjoys so much bipartisan support. We have much bipartisan support when it comes to FEMA and homeland security. And I would like to say that, until now, they do not play games when it comes to supporting first responders, when it comes to supporting flood victims, when it comes to supporting storm and hurricane victims.

But I must say the time to act with Congress is now. Do the right thing. We are encouraging our colleagues across the other side of the aisle to put the politics aside and join us in supporting this resolution.

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