[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 112 (Friday, July 25, 2003)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1601]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




           INTRODUCING THE NATIONAL DROUGHT PREPAREDNESS ACT

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. ALCEE L. HASTINGS

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, July 24, 2003

  Mr. HASTINGS of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I rise today with my good 
friend from Montana, Mr. Rehberg, to introduce the National Drought 
Preparedness Act. The companion to our bill is also being introduced 
today in the other body by Senators Pete Domenici and Max Baucus.
  In 1998, Congress passed legislation creating the National Drought 
Policy Commission. The Commission was tasked with the responsibility to 
examine current U.S. policy on drought. To summarize the Commission's 
fifty-page report in a few short words, ``The U.S. does not have a 
policy on drought.''
  I wish I had just made a joke. The fact that we don't have a drought 
policy, however, is a joke--and not a good one at that.
  Drought is not just an agriculture issue, nor is it only a water 
management issue. When droughts occur, forest fires erupt, small 
businesses close, crop yields decrease, and in many instances, people 
die.
  Here in Washington, it's been raining all month, so people aren't 
talking about drought. However, just because we aren't talking about 
it, doesn't mean that we shouldn't be doing something about it.
  In my home State of Florida, we are always taking steps to mitigate 
the effects of hurricanes and floods--regardless of what season it is. 
In the Midwest, similar efforts are made to plan for tornadoes, and in 
the West, the same could be said for wildfire prevention and 
earthquakes.
  It is time for America to move away from the costly, ad-hoc, and 
response-oriented approach to drought, and toward a more pro-active 
approach that focuses on preparation and planning. Coordination between 
Federal, State, and local governments, in addition to watershed groups, 
farmers and ranchers, and resource dependent businesses, is the only 
way we will successfully curb the effects of drought before we find 
ourselves in one. The bill we are introducing today provides a new 
focus on an otherwise often ignored natural disaster.
  Our bill accomplishes four major goals:
  First, the bill begins to move the country away from the costly, ad-
hoc, and response-oriented approach to drought, and toward a more pro-
active approach focused on preparation and planning. The new national 
policy will provide the tools and focus for Federal, State, tribal and 
local governments to address the diverse impacts and costs caused by 
drought.
  Second, the bill will improve the delivery of Federal drought 
programs. To ensure improved program delivery, integration and 
leadership, the National Drought Preparedness Act establishes the 
National Drought Council under the direction of the Secretary of 
Agriculture. The Council will provide the coordinating and integrating 
function for the more than 80 Federal drought programs currently in 
existence.
  Third, the bill establishes new tools for drought preparedness 
planning. Building on current water policy, the Drought Council will 
assist states, local governments, tribes, and other entities in the 
development and implementation of drought preparedness plans. The bill 
does not mandate state and local planning, but is intended to 
facilitate the development and implementation of drought plans through 
the establishment of a Drought Assistance Fund. Importantly, the bill 
also preserves State authority over water allocation.
  Fourth, the bill improves our forecasting and monitoring abilities. 
Under our legislation, the Drought Council will facilitate the 
development of the National Integrated Drought System in order to 
improve the characterization of current drought conditions and the 
forecasting of future droughts, as well as provide a better basis to 
trigger Federal drought assistance.
  Mr. Speaker, 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.
  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, and time is of the essence.
  I ask my colleagues to support this bill, and I urge the House 
leadership to bring this bill to the floor for its swift consideration.

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