[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 64 (Friday, May 17, 2002)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E846]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




             THE NATIONAL DROUGHT PREPAREDNESS ACT OF 2002

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                         HON. ALCEE L. HASTINGS

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, May 16, 2002

  Mr. HASTINGS of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to introduce the 
National Drought Preparedness Act of 2002. I am fortunate to have the 
support of the many bipartisan original cosponsors. In addition, this 
bill is the companion bill to the Domenici-Baucus bill also being 
introduced in the Senate today. I do hope that both bodies will work 
together and pass this bill immediately.
  I became interested in drought relief last summer when Florida found 
itself in the most prolonged drought it had seen in nearly 20 years. 
The water level in Lake Okeehobee, our country's 2nd largest fresh 
water lake and located in my District, had decreased by nearly 25 
percent.
  Not only did the water shortage in the lake cause problems for 
agriculture and water management, but it also destroyed the economic 
well being of small businesses around the Lake who depend on it for 
income. Realize this too, the clear majority of these businesses are 
owned by minorities or families who struggle to get by every day.
  As I began to try and help the towns and businesses surrounding the 
Lake in locating temporary assistance, even if it was only low interest 
loans, I found that unless you were involved in agriculture, assistance 
is virtually impossible. When it is possible, the loops folks need to 
jump through just to get it are so discouraging that they don't even 
try.
  Realize, drought is not just an agriculture issue, nor is it only a 
water management issue. When droughts occur, forest fires erupt, small 
businesses close, and in many instances, people die.
  Congress and FEMA define drought as a natural disaster, and it's 
about time that we start treating them as such.
  Yesterday, while I was attending the Florida Congressional Delegation 
meeting, the entire meeting focused on hurricanes and the plans that 
are currently in place in Florida, which are the framework of how we 
respond to hurricanes. The bill we are introducing today provides a new 
focus on an otherwise often ignored natural disaster.
  The creation of a coordinated and comprehensive National Drought 
Council will provide efficient and time sensitive coordination between 
federal agencies in preparing for and responding to droughts, as well 
as assisting Congress in identifying our immediate and long term needs 
in providing drought relief.
  Mr. Speaker, we must move the country away from the costly, ad-hoc, 
response-oriented approach to drought, and toward a pro-active, 
preparedness approach. Coordination between federal, state, and local 
governments is the only way we will accomplish this difficult task.
  I am looking forward to working with my colleagues and moving this 
bill forward. Americans are hurting throughout this country today 
because of water shortages and prolonged droughts. Congress must act 
immediately, time is of the essence.

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