[Congressional Record Volume 145, Number 37 (Tuesday, March 9, 1999)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E370]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[[Page E370]]
           DISASTER MITIGATION AND COST REDUCTION ACT OF 1999

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                               speech of

                             HON. LEE TERRY

                              of nebraska

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, March 4, 1999

       The House in Committee of the Whole House on the State of 
     the Union had under consideration the bill (H.R. 707) to 
     amend the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency 
     Assistance Act to authorize a program for predisaster 
     mitigation, to streamline the administration of disaster 
     relief, to control the Federal costs of disaster assistance, 
     and for other purposes:

  Mr. TERRY. Mr. Chairman, H.R. 707, ``The Disaster Mitigation and Cost 
Reduction Act of 1999'' is a good bill for three reasons. First, this 
legislation will provide funding to a newly created pre-disaster 
mitigation program, which is something that has been needed for quite 
sometime. Second, this legislation will increase the authorization for 
post-mitigation funding by 33 percent. Third, H.R. 707 places the needs 
of victims ahead of bureaucratic red tape.
  When a disaster occurs, non-profit organizations should be given the 
ability to move as fast as possible to help restore vital services to 
those in need. These organizations, what are known as ``lifeline 
facilities,'' provide critical services such as: communications power, 
drinking water, water treatment, and emergency medical care to 
communities in need. In the wake of a disaster, it is imperative that 
these facilities receive the aid necessary to recover without delay, so 
they can help others that might be suffering. It does not make sense to 
impose any additional paperwork burden on these organizations in the 
hours or days after a disaster has occurred.
  I am pleased that the legislation includes an amendment I offered in 
Committee to allow these critical care facilities to be put back into 
service as soon as possible in order to prevent additional loss of life 
or property.
  Mr. Chairman, I am a strong supporter of cutting unnecessary federal 
spending. However, if even one life may be threatened because of delay, 
it is not worth it.
  I commend my colleague and Subcommittee Chairwoman Tillie Fowler  for 
her efforts.
  H.R. 707 is a good bill and one that I ask every member to support.

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