[Congressional Record Volume 142, Number 97 (Thursday, June 27, 1996)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1211]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   COMMENDING FEMA FOR EXEMPLARY WORK

                                 ______
                                 

                       HON. SHERWOOD L. BOEHLERT

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, June 27, 1996

  Mr. BOEHLERT. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the Federal 
Emergency Management Agency, which won the 1996 Public Employees 
Roundtable Public Service Excellence Award in the Federal Category. 
FEMA's Disaster Assistance Program faced stiff competition as one of 
300 entries considered by the Public Employees Roundtable.
  After watching FEMA at work following January flooding in my 
district, it comes as no surprise to me that FEMA won. When eight of 
the nine counties of my district in New York State were devastated by 
winter flooding, FEMA staff rallied to our aid. James Lee Witt, FEMA 
administrator, and New York Governor George Pataki personally 
accompanied me on a tour of flood ravaged areas, to see and experience 
the problem and commit themselves to being part of the solution. FEMA 
was magnificent. Flooding occurred on a Friday and Saturday. FEMA 
Region II, under Director Lynn Canton, was providing technical 
assistance to New York State officials on Friday, monitoring the 
situation and laying the groundwork for the communications, 
organization and logistics so necessary for an effective recovery 
effort. And within 10 days of the flood, families who applied for aid 
were receiving checks. This timely response was invaluable as 
communities with limited resources struggled to cope with overwhelming 
devastation.
  Equally invaluable is the continuing support FEMA provides. Four 
months after the flood, FEMA is still on the job and my office is in 
daily contact with the Disaster Field Office in our State capital. This 
office performs follow-up work on projects and provides guidance to 
State and local governments as well as to citizens who are still 
rebuilding.
  In addition to my personal experience working with FEMA, as chairman 
of the subcommittee with jurisdiction over Stafford Disaster Assistance 
programs, I know from a broader perspective how well FEMA does in the 
field. From earthquakes to floods to hurricanes, this is a Federal 
agency that prides itself on responding quickly and efficiently. Apart 
from natural disasters, FEMA also is on hand when man-made disasters 
strike. The bombing in Oklahoma City is a case in point. In the midst 
of grief and horror, FEMA staff helped the victims and residents of 
that shocked city in their recovery efforts.
  The human spirit is capable of amazing things in times of trouble. 
With FEMA at the helm, that also can be said of the U.S. Government. In 
an era when government bashing is a popular sport in some quarters, 
FEMA shows us the importance of coordinated Federal efforts to overcome 
adversity. They do us proud.

                          ____________________