[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 149 (2003), Part 21]
[House]
[Page 29695]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                         IN SUPPORT OF H.R. 253

  (Mr. BLUMENAUER asked and was given permission to address the House 
for 1 minute.)
  Mr. BLUMENAUER. Mr. Speaker, today on the suspension calendar H.R. 
253, the Two Floods bill, is an opportunity to reauthorize and reform 
America's flood insurance program. It is a great opportunity to build 
on the legacy of the late Hale Boggs from Louisiana who helped create 
the program because he understood how important it was to a State like 
his.
  The bill passed out of the Committee on Financial Services with a 
unanimous vote, broad support from bankers, realtors, 
environmentalists. With the help of the gentleman from Louisiana (Mr. 
Baker), we assure that the special needs of flood-prone areas are met, 
that we help people move their homes out of harm's way, that there is 
more assistance for the States with the biggest problems, and it will 
reduce the premium pressure, saving money for 4\1/2\ million 
policyholders. Last, but by no means least, these reforms will 
ultimately mean significant savings in disaster relief costs for the 
Federal Government.
  One percent of the property should not require 25 percent of the loss 
costs for the entire country. This Bill is a win-win for the economy, 
for people moved out of harm's way, and for the environment. I urge my 
colleagues to carefully consider it as it comes forward later today.

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