[Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 86 (Wednesday, June 28, 2006)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1300]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




          FLOOD INSURANCE REFORM AND MODERNIZATION ACT OF 2006

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                          HON. LORETTA SANCHEZ

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, June 27, 2006

  Ms. LORETTA SANCHEZ of California. Mr. Chairman, when you think of 
Southern California, you think of palm trees and sunshine, right? Most 
people do, and I'm glad they do. But today I want to remind you that in 
California, when it rains it pours. And my community of Orange County 
has a long history of destructive floods. I am particularly pleased 
that the House is choosing to pass the Flood Insurance Reform and 
Modernization Act currently before Congress.
  This bipartisan bill would increase maximum flood premium rates, 
giving property owners the choice to pay more to receive greater 
coverage, including living expenses or profit loss beyond what is now 
covered in the flood insurance program.
  The bill also makes it clear that the Federal Emergency Management 
Agency should listen to local communities whenever updating national 
flood maps.
  Currently, FEMA estimates 70 percent of its flood maps are more than 
a decade out of date. I agree with FEMA's recent call for a speedy 
update of these important data sets, but haste should not take priority 
over accuracy.
  Our local communities need time to report the most up-to-date data 
for inclusion in these national maps.
  In California counties where FEMA has set a September 30 deadline to 
receive preliminary maps, FEMA should clearly grant an extension, 
rather than continue the flood control planning process without that 
critical local input.
  The Army Corps of Engineers is studying flood control issues in a 90-
square-mile watershed in Orange County, including Garden Grove and 
Santa Ana. The Corps' important work there should be taken into account 
as FEMA looks to draw new maps.
  I applaud the bipartisan sponsors of this legislation and the 
bipartisan work of the Rules Committee for allowing debate on several 
important amendments to this bill. I urge my colleagues to cast a 
``yes'' vote today.

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