[Congressional Record Volume 142, Number 103 (Friday, July 12, 1996)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1281]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




             A NATURAL DISASTER PROTECTION PARTNERSHIP ACT

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. E. CLAY SHAW, JR.

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                         Friday, July 12, 1996

  Mr. SHAW. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of a Natural Disaster 
Protection Partnership Act. This legislation was introduced by the 
late, distinguished Member of this body who we now greatly miss, Mr. 
Emerson. It is imperative that we take Mr. Emerson's lead and continue 
to work for the passage of this disaster plan into law. Without a 
natural disaster protection partnership plan, this country will face a 
severe financial crisis.
  As a Representative from Florida, I am very concerned with the 
destruction caused by natural forces such as hurricanes and tornadoes. 
Last year was one of the most active hurricane seasons ever. The 
destruction caused by these hurricanes is tremendous, as can be seen by 
Andrew and Opal. Moreover, extensive damage is seen every year by other 
types of natural disasters such as earthquakes in California and floods 
in the Plains States.
  As a result of the rising costs of these natural disasters, consumers 
in these disaster prone areas face difficulty obtaining affordable 
homeowner's insurance. Moreover, taxpayers have been forced to spend 
$45 billion in 6 years for these disasters because homeowners and 
States have been unprepared to handle these catastrophes. Clearly, we 
must act now before FEMA's funds are depleted and homeowners cannot 
purchase insurance to protect them from these disasters.
  In light of Hurricane Bertha, which is threatening the southeastern 
coast, we must pass a disaster plan that mitigates physical damage, 
provides insurance protection for homeowners and businesses and reduces 
Federal disaster costs. I encourage each of you to contact Chairman 
Boehlert and express your support for passing this legislation this 
year.

                          ____________________