[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 19 (Thursday, February 13, 1997)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E274]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                      INTRODUCTION OF LEGISLATION

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. RICK LAZIO

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, February 13, 1997

  Mr. LAZIO. Mr. Speaker. The aftermath of the tragic crash of TWA 
Flight 800 has placed an enormous burden on the resources of the people 
of New York. Today my colleagues Gary Ackerman and Mike Forbes join me 
in introducing legislation directing FEMA to reimburse Suffolk County, 
Nassau County, the city and the State of New York for the expenses they 
incurred as a result of the crash. These expenses include the State and 
local costs for salvage operations, investigation of the crash and 
identification of the victims.
  State officials break down the costs as follows: New York State, $5 
million; Suffolk County, $5.8 million; Nassau County, $325,000; and New 
York City, $1.1 million, totaling over $12.4 million. New York, 
especially my home county, Suffolk County, has been at the forefront of 
the efforts to find the answers to this catastrophe for the victims 
families and for the American people. State and local governments 
provided a strong foundation and infrastructure to enable the Federal 
agencies involved to operate effectively and efficiently. State and 
local officials provided a number of helicopters and support personnel, 
divers, housing for Federal officials, morgue services, mental health 
and crisis counseling for the victims' families. All of which placed a 
tremendous strain on State and local budgets. It also has taken its 
toll on the dedicated men and women who have devoted long hours to the 
salvage operation sometimes under dangerous conditions. Our legislation 
will ensure that these efforts do not translate into cuts in other 
needed State and county services.
  The cause of the crash remains unknown, and since it happened over 
the ocean, finding out why it occurred has been extremely difficult. It 
is not known whether the crash is the result of terrorism--if so, the 
Federal Government will bear the costs, negligence--then those at fault 
are responsible for paying, the action of a private party, or something 
else. Nevertheless, simply because the cause of the crash is 
inconclusive, the financial burden of the recovery, investigation and 
identification of the victims should not fall unfairly upon the 
residents of the State of New York and the County of Suffolk. President 
Clinton recognized the unusual circumstances surrounding the crash, 
personally visited the site and pledged his support.
  Last September, I asked the President to reimburse New York for the 
costs it incurred from the disaster. Further, Governor Pataki and other 
New York Republicans have formally requested the Federal assistance. 
Our legislation will ensure that the people of New York will receive 
the financial relief they deserve, and I ask all members of this 
chamber to support this important bill.

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