[Congressional Record Volume 161, Number 180 (Friday, December 11, 2015)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1783]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




     FIRST RESPONDER IDENTIFICATION OF EMERGENCY NEEDS IN DISASTER 
                               SITUATIONS

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                          HON. STENY H. HOYER

                              of maryland

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, December 10, 2015

  Mr. HOYER. Mr. Speaker, I'm pleased to rise in support of H.R. 2795, 
the First Responders Identification of Emergency Needs in Disaster 
Situations (FRIENDS) Act, which was introduced by my friend Rep. Sheila 
Jackson Lee of Texas. That her bill is expected to be approved with 
overwhelming bipartisan support, including from Chairman Mike McCaul of 
the Homeland Security Committee, ought to surprise no one, because Rep. 
Jackson Lee has worked tirelessly on behalf of America's first 
responders to move this legislation through the House. Her legislation 
would launch a study of best practices and state of preparedness of 
state and local response agencies with the aim of improving safety and 
access to lifesaving resources.
  This bill recognizes the important role first responders play in 
communities throughout our country. We must ensure that these men and 
women have the resources they need to perform their jobs safely and 
effectively. We've witnessed the courage of first responders, from the 
September 11 attacks to the Boston Marathon bombings and at last week's 
deadly shooting in San Bernardino, California. We see it every day all 
over our nation.
  I've been incredibly proud to support first responders as Co-Chair of 
the Congressional Fire Services Caucus, and I want to thank Rep. Sheila 
Jackson Lee for her work to bring the FRIENDS Act to the Floor. I also 
want to thank my colleagues on both sides of the aisle for their 
support for this legislation in committee and in the full House.

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