[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 93 (Tuesday, July 14, 1998)]
[House]
[Pages H5410-H5411]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




          AMERICA UNITING IN PROVIDING FLORIDA DISASTER RELIEF

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under the Speaker's announced policy of 
January 21, 1997, the gentleman from Florida (Mr. Stearns) is 
recognized during morning hour business for 5 minutes.
  Mr. STEARNS. Madam Speaker, my home State of Florida has been ravaged 
with the worst outbreak of fire in the State's history. We have seen 
the type of destruction which devastates communities. Such a disaster 
demands that people work together to protect life and property, and, in 
these cases, some of the best qualities come out of our American 
people.
  Since June 1, 1998, in a prolonged drought, we have seen 1,946 
reported fire outbreaks. The destruction is widespread. Fires have 
burned over 485,000 acres of land, over 2,200 homes and structures, and 
several businesses.
  Madam Speaker, the outpouring of goodwill and assistance we received 
came not only from within our State, but from the Federal Government 
and, in fact, from 44 other States. Foreign countries even offered aid, 
with one loaning a special fire-fighting unit.
  The Florida National Guard and U.S. Marine units worked together to 
help evacuate people, clear brush and build temporary bridges to 
transport the heavy fire-fighting equipment. Contractors in the private 
sector volunteered machinery and manpower to battle the flames and 
transport water. Churches, schools, motels and businesses opened their 
doors to shelter over 100,000 evacuees. Donations poured in to aid the 
victims and help the brave emergency workers and firefighters.
  I am proud to represent these kinds of people, particularly the 
people who live in Palatka, Florida. These residents did not suffer the 
fire damage seen in other areas, but were able to open their doors to 
over 2,000 evacuees streaming from nearby Flagler County and other 
fire-stricken areas.
  The local Price-Martin Community Center served as an information 
center, providing directions to nearby shelters. Folks from my county 
who love horses went over to Volusia County and helped with those folks 
who had horses that were straying. Volunteer nurses

[[Page H5411]]

and the local Red Cross worked around the clock to ease the suffering 
of those forced from their homes.
  Recognizing our State's emergency situation, on June 18, 1998, 
President Clinton declared the State of Florida a major disaster area, 
paving the way for over $32 million in Federal aid to reach Florida's 
fire-ravaged areas.
  More recently, Secretary Glickman declared Florida eligible for 
Department of Agriculture assistance. That was very good news for 
Florida's family farmers, who sustained significant production losses. 
Agricultural interests in Florida suffered $100 million in damages just 
from El Nino events, and then lost more than $400 million in the 
following droughts and fires.
  As grateful as we are in Florida for this Federal assistance, it 
comes at a 25 percent State cost. FEMA has initiated $60 million worth 
of missions to help Florida, but that means that Florida must 
contribute $15 million of its own. Add that to about $45 million in 
State and local costs, and the State's price tag of this natural 
disaster really begins to mount.
  Fortunately, FEMA policy allows 100 percent Federal funding for 
direct Federal assistance emergency work. Recently Florida requested 
that the President authorize 100 percent funding for essential Federal 
assistance provided to date and thereafter.
  I hope that the 100 percent assistance will be granted, as this is 
the fifth disaster declaration Florida has faced in 5 years, and that 
it comes on the heals of the El Nino floods earlier this year. Florida 
disaster resources are nearly exhausted. By reflecting on our response 
to this natural disaster, we can prepare for future fire outbreaks.
  As a member of the House Fire Service Caucus, I recognize that a 
coordinated effort of all available resources is necessary to battle 
these blazes. On June 25, I joined fellow caucus members at a press 
conference highlighting our new task force and initiative on wildland 
fires.

                              {time}  1245

  We contacted the Secretary of Defense, Mr. Cohen, requesting the 
cooperation and the assistance of the Department of Defense to identify 
assets he could make available for firefighting purposes. Additionally, 
we asked the U.S. National Guard to examine its past deployments in 
firefighting efforts and then offer recommendations as to how these 
assets can be most effectively administered.
  Luckily, I say to my colleagues, recent rains have provided some 
relief, and those who helped us through the worst deserve our praise 
and thanks. As we have seen, this difficult situation revealed our 
country's good character. This was evident in the valiant firefighting 
efforts that began on the first of June. I am confident that through a 
continued coordinated effort we will completely extinguish these fires 
threatening Florida and begin the long process of recovery.
  Madam Speaker, I am here today to applaud all the efforts of all 
Floridians for all the hard work they have done to put out these fires. 
God bless them all.

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