[Congressional Record Volume 159, Number 4 (Tuesday, January 15, 2013)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E27]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




TEMPORARY INCREASE IN BORROWING AUTHORITY FOR NATIONAL FLOOD INSURANCE 
                                PROGRAM

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                           HON. STEVE ISRAEL

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                        Friday, January 4, 2013

  Mr. ISRAEL. Madam Speaker, I rise in strong support of the bipartisan 
legislation on the floor today that will provide much needed relief for 
my constituents. H.R. 41 will replenish the National Flood Insurance 
Fund, which would otherwise run out of funds and be unable to pay out 
claims next week. That would be simply unacceptable for the homeowners 
and businesses that I represent who have already gone through so much.
  New Yorkers were devastated by Hurricane Sandy and we are just 
beginning to recover. I am glad that the House Republican leadership 
has responded to the bipartisan outcry for action to help families, 
businesses and communities in my district. We must act swiftly on the 
remaining federal resource needs for the Sandy victims.
  We all can agree that this recovery needs to be bold and it needs to 
be implemented quickly--and that's what we are working on. Together, 
both sides of the aisle from the New York, New Jersey and Connecticut 
Congressional delegations have come together to address this immediate 
and urge need to meet the needs of flood insurance claims by all of our 
constituents.
  FEMA has said there are a total of 120,000 flood insurance claims 
payments that will be delayed until Congress increases the borrowing 
authority for the program--of which 115,000 are related to Superstorm 
Sandy. Any delay is unacceptable and that is why I urge swift passage 
of this bill and prompt action in the Senate.
  I implore my colleagues to join me in supporting this bill. We simply 
need to help my constituents and allow all of those who have been 
devastated by this storm to move forward with their lives and rebuild 
stronger than ever.

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