[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 119 (Wednesday, September 10, 1997)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1726]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




    INTRODUCTION BY REQUEST OF THE DISASTER STREAMLINING AND COSTS 
                         REDUCTION ACT OF 1997

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. BUD SHUSTER

                            of pennsylvania

                    in the house of representatives

                     Wednesday, September 10, 1997

  Mr. SHUSTER. Mr. Speaker, as chairman of the Committee on 
Transportation and Infrastructure, I am today introducing by request 
the administration's proposal to amend the Robert T. Stafford Disaster 
Relief and Emergency Assistance Act.
  As my colleagues are well aware, the Stafford Act provides the 
authority of the Federal Government, primarily the Federal Emergency 
Management Agency [FEMA], to respond to disasters and emergencies in 
order to provide assistance to save lives and protect public health, 
safety, and property.
  The administration's bill, the ``Disaster Streamlining and Costs 
Reduction Act of 1997,'' establishes new hazard mitigation authorities 
and, among other things, makes various other changes relating to 
eligibility for disaster assistance and to Federal cost-sharing and 
administrative costs and policies.
  Natural disasters cost the victims and the Nation's taxpayers too 
much. In the last 10 years alone, the Federal Government has obligated 
over $50 billion in disaster assistance. Without significant changes in 
law and policy, the financial exposure of the Federal Government and 
the risks to families and communities will only increase.
  There are also ongoing concerns about the need for more streamlined 
and responsive disaster programs. While FEMA and others have made 
administrative improvements over the years, the fact remains that 
almost an entire decade has passed since Congress last revised and 
improved the Nation's primary disaster relief and emergency assistance 
law, the Stafford Act. The need to consider comprehensive legislation 
and promote improved partnerships between the public and private 
sectors is clear.
  After a preliminary analysis, I believe the administration's bill has 
several desirable features. It provides a helpful starting point in 
reining in some of the costs, streamlining and improving various 
assistance programs, and encouraging hazard prevention and mitigation 
activities. This bill also has some provisions that are somewhat 
troubling. I expect the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee 
and, in particular, its Subcommittee on Water Resources and 
Environment, chaired by Representative Sherwood Boehlert, to carefully 
examine the bill along with other legislative proposals.
  I look forward to working with FEMA's Director James Lee Witt and 
others to improve the Nation's disaster relief program and reduce the 
costs to disaster victims and the Nation's taxpayers.

                          ____________________