[Congressional Record Volume 166, Number 30 (Thursday, February 13, 2020)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E181]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   HOMELAND SECURITY FOR CHILDREN ACT

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                        HON. SHEILA JACKSON LEE

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                       Monday, February 10, 2020

  Ms. JACKSON LEE. Mr. Speaker, as a senior Member of Congress, I rise 
in support of H.R. 2932, the ``Homeland Security for Children Act,'' 
which would direct the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to 
identify and integrate the needs of children into activities to prepare 
for, protect against, respond to, recover from, and mitigate against 
the risk of natural disasters, acts of terrorism, and other man-made 
disasters.
  The ``Homeland Security for Children Act'' would make children's 
needs a priority throughout the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), 
by directing the DHS Undersecretary for Strategy, Policy, and Plans to 
incorporate feedback from children's organizations into Department-wide 
activities.
  This legislation would require DHS to submit a report to Congress on 
the Department's efforts to integrate the needs of children into the 
policies, programs, and activities at DHS.
  DHS will authorize a Children's Technical Expert position, ensuring 
that the Agency will adequately incorporate the needs of children into 
its emergency preparedness, response, recovery, and mitigation 
activities.
  Due to their general incapacity to protect and advocate for 
themselves, children are more likely to succumb to the negative 
outcomes associated with disasters and acts of terrorism.
  FEMA has consistently missed the mark when it comes to acknowledging 
and prioritizing the unique needs of children in its disaster-related 
activities.
  When disaster strikes, whether natural or manmade, the country has 
historically struggled to adequately prepare for children's unique 
needs.
  For example, in Houston Hurricane Harvey made land fall in 2017 and 
proceeded to affect 13 million people, cause $125 billion dollars in 
damages, and take the lives of 94 individuals.
  Nearly 3 million children in Harris County alone were impacted by 
Hurricane Harvey.
  Six months after the storm approximately 4,000 childcare programs, 
afterschool programs, and schools closed for weeks in the Greater 
Houston area.
  Hurricane Harvey resulted in an increase to the number of 
economically disadvantaged children, cases of mental health issues and 
student homelessness.
  The shortage of childcare throughout the impacted regions prevented 
many families from returning to their `normal' lives.
  Traumatic experiences, such as a natural disaster, can negatively 
impact a child's mental health, cause an increase in irritability, 
aggression, anger, and physical ailments, such as headaches and stomach 
aches.
  It is vital that FEMA makes it a priority to integrate the needs of 
children into their activities to prepare for, protect against and 
mitigate against the risk of natural disasters, acts of terrorism, and 
other man-made disasters.
  I ask all Members to join me in voting to pass H.R. 2932, the 
``Homeland Security for Children Act.''

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