[Congressional Record Volume 145, Number 60 (Thursday, April 29, 1999)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E821-E822]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




         EARTHQUAKE HAZARDS REDUCTION AUTHORIZATION ACT OF 1999

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                           HON. PATSY T. MINK

                               of hawaii

                    in the house of representatives

                       Wednesday, April 28, 1999

       The House in Committee of the Whole House on the State of 
     the Union has under consideration the bill (H.R. 1184) to 
     authorize appropriations for carrying out the Earthquake 
     Hazards Reduction Act of 1977 for fiscal years 2000 and 2001, 
     and for other purposes:

  Mrs. MINK of Hawaii. Mr. Chairman, I rise in support of H.R. 1184, 
the Earthquake Hazards Reduction Authorization Act of 1999.
  H.R. 1184 will take earthquake research and earthquake engineering 
research to the next level enabling the replacement of antiquated 
earthquake warning systems and equipment while linking monitoring 
centers and laboratories together and stimulating scientific research 
that will help prevent losses of life and property due to earthquakes.
  I am pleased that H.R. 1184 will establish two new projects that will 
greatly boost our earthquake research and monitoring efforts: the 
Network for Earthquake Engineering Simulation (NEES); and the Advanced 
National Seismic Research and Monitoring System. These programs will 
join earthquake engineering research facilities and monitoring systems 
from across the country while upgrading and expanding earthquake 
testing at the facilities. The programs will help to eliminate 
duplication of research and promote coordination, cooperation and 
sharing of information to better enable us to utilize science in the 
protection of life and property.
  I am also pleased that the Committee accepted an amendment offered by 
Congresswoman Woolsey to direct FEMA to report on the components of the 
``National Earthquake Hazard Reduction Programs that address the needs 
of at-risk populations: the elderly, the disabled, the non-English 
speaking, and single parent households.'' These populations face 
additional challenges following natural disasters and we must not 
neglect the most vulnerable of our populations during such disasters. I 
applaud Congresswoman Woolsey in her effort to address this problem.
  I also appreciate the committee language expressing that the 
committee will soon begin examining why insurance companies refuse to 
reduce insurance premiums to builders, home owners, and commercial 
properties, that have complied with the new engineering standards and 
practices shown to reduce damages caused by earthquakes. Those who make 
conscious efforts to incorporate higher standards to prevent earthquake 
damages should not have to pay the same rates as those who do not 
incorporate these standards.
  I support this legislation because we need to be prepared for 
earthquakes; we need to improve our abilities to predict earthquakes; 
and we need to implement policies and building practices that would 
minimize losses of life due to earthquakes. But, in addition to this, 
we must prepare for the rebuilding and relief efforts that would be 
necessary in response to disastrous earthquakes and other natural 
phenomena including, tsunamis, hurricanes, and

[[Page E822]]

volcanic eruptions. We must accelerate community efforts to prepare for 
such incidents by encouraging the development of response plans and 
promoting construction practices that minimize losses from disasters.
  Accordingly, I have introduced legislation to provide our nation 
better protection from financial catastrophe caused by earthquakes, 
volcanic eruptions, and tsunamis. My bill, H.R. 481, the ``Earthquake, 
Volcanic Eruption and Hurricane Hazards Insurance Act of 1999,'' would 
establish a Federal residential insurance program, much like the 
national flood insurance program, to cover damage by earthquakes, 
volcanic eruptions, and hurricanes so that home-owners have access to 
affordable insurance that can help protect them against total financial 
ruin because of a natural disaster. It would require States that wish 
to participate in the program to implement mitigation measures to help 
guard against extensive damage which might be preventable.
  Although I hope we may never need to utilize such a program, it is 
only a matter of time until we are faced with another disaster and it 
is irresponsible not to prepare for the worst.
  I support H.R. 1184, the ``Earthquake Hazards Reduction Authorization 
Act of 1999,'' and I urge immediate consideration of H.R. 481, the 
``Earthquake, Volcanic Eruption and Hurricane Hazards Insurance Act of 
1999.''

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