[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 156 (2010), Part 8]
[House]
[Pages 11232-11234]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




            SUPPORTING NATIONAL HURRICANE PREPAREDNESS WEEK

  Mr. CARNAHAN. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to 
the resolution (H. Res. 1388) supporting the goals and ideals of 
National Hurricane Preparedness Week.
  The Clerk read the title of the resolution.
  The text of the resolution is as follows:

                              H. Res. 1388

       Whereas the Atlantic and central Pacific hurricane season 
     begins June 1, 2010, and ends November 30, 2010, and the 
     eastern Pacific hurricane season runs from May 15, 2010, 
     through November 30, 2010;
       Whereas an average of 11 tropical storms develop per year 
     over the Atlantic Ocean, the Caribbean Sea, and the Gulf of 
     Mexico, and an average of 6 of these storms become 
     hurricanes;
       Whereas in an average 3-year period, roughly 5 hurricanes 
     strike the coastlines of the United States, sometimes 
     resulting in multiple deaths, and 2 of these hurricanes are 
     typically labeled ``major'' or ``intense'' category 3 
     hurricanes, as measured on the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane 
     Scale;
       Whereas millions of Americans face great risks from 
     tropical storms and hurricanes, as 50 percent of Americans 
     live along the coast and millions of tourists visit the 
     oceans each year;
       Whereas the 2009 Atlantic hurricane season included 9 named 
     storms, including 3 hurricanes, 2 of which were category 3 or 
     higher;
       Whereas during a hurricane, homes, businesses, public 
     buildings, and infrastructure may be damaged or destroyed by 
     heavy rain, strong winds, and storm surge;
       Whereas damage from a hurricane is usually substantial, as 
     debris can break windows and doors, roads and bridges can be 
     washed away, homes can be flooded, and destructive tornadoes 
     can occur well away from the storm's center;
       Whereas experts at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric 
     Administration's National Hurricane Center and the National 
     Weather Service agree that it is critical for all people to 
     know if they live in an area prone to hurricanes, to figure 
     out their home's vulnerability in the event of a storm surge, 
     flooding, and heavy winds, and to develop a written family 
     disaster plan based on this knowledge;
       Whereas the National Hurricane Center recommends that 
     people in areas prone to hurricanes prepare a personal 
     evacuation plan that identifies ahead of time several options 
     of places to go in the event of evacuation, the telephone 
     numbers of these places, and a local road map;
       Whereas the National Hurricane Center recommends that 
     people in areas prone to hurricanes prepare a disaster supply 
     kit before hurricane season begins that includes a first aid 
     kit with essential medications, canned food, a can opener, at 
     least 3 gallons of water per person per day for 3 to 7 days, 
     protective clothing, rain gear, bedding or sleeping bags, a 
     battery-powered radio, a flashlight, extra batteries, special 
     items for infant, elderly, or disabled family members, and 
     written instructions on how to turn off electricity, gas, and 
     water in the event authorities advise these actions;
       Whereas the National Hurricane Center recommends that 
     citizens know that a ``hurricane watch'' means conditions are 
     possible in the specified area, usually within 36 hours, and 
     a ``hurricane warning'' means hurricane conditions are 
     expected in the specified area, usually within 24 hours;
       Whereas in the event of a hurricane warning, the National 
     Hurricane Center recommends people listen to the advice of 
     local officials, evacuate if told to do so, complete 
     preparedness activities, stay indoors and away from windows, 
     be alert for tornadoes, and be aware that the calm ``eye'' of 
     the storm does not mean the storm is over;
       Whereas in the 1970s, 1980s, and 1990s, inland flooding was 
     responsible for more than half the deaths associated with 
     tropical storms and hurricanes in the United States;
       Whereas the National Weather Service recommends that when a 
     hurricane threatens the United States, people in potential 
     flood zones evacuate if told to do so, keep abreast of road 
     conditions through the news media, move to a safe area before 
     access is cut off by flood water, develop a flood emergency 
     action plan, and do not attempt to cross flowing water in an 
     automobile, because as little as 6 inches of water may cause 
     one to lose control of the vehicle;
       Whereas the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration 
     provides more detailed information about hurricanes and 
     hurricane preparedness via its website, http://
www.nhc.noaa.gov/HAW2/; and
       Whereas National Hurricane Preparedness Week will be the 
     week of May 23 through 29, 2010: Now, therefore, be it
       Resolved, That the House of Representatives--
       (1) supports the goals and ideals of National Hurricane 
     Preparedness Week;
       (2) encourages the staff of the National Oceanic and 
     Atmospheric Administration, especially the National Weather 
     Service and the National Hurricane Center, and other 
     appropriate Federal agencies, to continue their outstanding 
     work of educating people in the United States about hurricane 
     preparedness; and
       (3) urges the people of the United States to recognize such 
     a week as an opportunity to learn more about the work of the 
     National Hurricane Center in forecasting hurricanes and 
     educating citizens about the potential risks of the storms.

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to the rule, the gentleman from 
Missouri (Mr. Carnahan) and the gentleman from Nebraska (Mr. Smith) 
each will control 20 minutes.
  The Chair recognizes the gentleman from Missouri.


                             General Leave

  Mr. CARNAHAN. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members 
may have 5 legislative days to revise and extend their remarks and to 
include extraneous material on H. Res. 1388, the resolution now under 
consideration.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there objection to the request of the 
gentleman from Missouri?
  There was no objection.
  Mr. CARNAHAN. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.

[[Page 11233]]

  Mr. Speaker, on June 1, hurricane season began in the Atlantic Ocean. 
Hurricane forecasters have predicted an above-average year for tropical 
storms and hurricanes for 2010. As we enter hurricane season, it is 
therefore very timely to consider this resolution recognizing the 
importance of hurricane preparedness.
  Hurricanes are among the most powerful forces of nature we 
experience. As the tragedies from past storms have taught us, it is 
vitally important that Federal, State, and local governments work 
together to better prepare the coastal communities for these powerful 
storms to minimize the loss of life and costly physical damage. Part of 
this effort is educating the public about hurricanes and hurricane 
preparedness. The National Hurricane Center at NOAA is a critical 
resource in this effort. In addition to providing us with the hurricane 
forecasting information that coastal communities all rely on, the 
National Hurricane Center also focuses considerable effort in educating 
coastal communities about hurricane preparedness. This includes 
recommendations from what supplies to have handy if you live in a 
hurricane-prone region to encouraging people to craft personal 
evacuation plans in the event of a storm. These seemingly small steps 
can make an enormous difference in saving lives.
  We don't have any hurricanes in my home State of Missouri, but these 
same lessons of preparedness for deadly weather can be seen in the 
Midwest. Living in ``Tornado Alley,'' we know all too well the 
consequences of not being prepared for action when the tornado warnings 
go off. Unfortunately, all too often the results from being unprepared 
is a loss of life.
  It really is hard to understate the importance of adequate 
preparation and preparedness in these regions of our country that are 
susceptible to dangerous weather. I want to thank my friend from 
Florida (Mr. Mario Diaz-Balart) for introducing this important 
resolution, and I urge my colleagues to support it.
  Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
  Mr. SMITH of Nebraska. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may 
consume.
  I rise today in support of House Resolution 1388, supporting the 
goals and ideals of National Hurricane Preparedness Week.
  Every year, our coastal areas face the threat of hurricanes and 
tropical storms. These storms feature high wind speeds, heavy rains, 
and storm surges which can cause flooding and coastal erosion. With 
millions of Americans living within 50 miles of a vulnerable shoreline, 
these factors, unfortunately, can also cause loss of human life and 
substantial property destruction.
  Over the last several decades, the increasing population density 
along the Nation's coastlines has contributed to the rising cost of 
recovering from hurricane damage. Thus, it is critical governments 
prepare for evacuation, ensure emergency supplies are readily 
available, and require adequate safety standards for infrastructure and 
buildings.
  Each year since 1998, the National Weather Service has issued a 
seasonal outlook forecasting the number of storms likely to arise 
during the hurricane season, June 1 through November 30. This year, the 
National Weather Service is projecting between eight and 14 hurricanes. 
Storms with sustained wind speeds of 74 miles per hour or greater will 
form in the Atlantic basin, and between three and seven of these storms 
could be major hurricanes with wind speeds of at least 111 miles per 
hour.
  Although not all storms will make landfall, a greater number of 
possible storms this season indicates landfall is more likely. This 
resolution encourages people to utilize the knowledge gained from past 
disasters, to learn about the potential risk of being caught in a 
hurricane, and how to prepare for the associated hazards.
  I urge my colleagues to support H. Res. 1388.
  Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the gentlewoman from Illinois (Mrs. 
Biggert).
  Mrs. BIGGERT. I thank the gentleman for yielding and I rise today in 
support of the resolution, but I really wanted to support the previous 
resolution, but I was in a conference.
  As the co-chair of the High-Performance Buildings Caucus, I am 
delighted to join my colleague and caucus co-chair, Congressman Russ 
Carnahan, to recognize June 13 through June 19 as High-Performance 
Building Week, House Resolution 1407.
  Last week's celebration was marked by numerous events, including Hill 
briefings and offsite green infrastructure tours, and I would like to 
thank the National Institute for Building Sciences, the American 
Society for Landscape Architects, and the National Institute for 
Standards and Technology for organizing these tours throughout last 
week.
  Congressman Carnahan and I first formed the High-Performance 
Buildings Caucus in 2008 to heighten awareness and inform policymakers 
about the major impact buildings have on our health, safety, and 
environment. Through monthly briefings, we explore the opportunities to 
design, construct, and operate high-performance buildings that reflect 
our concern for these impacts. In fact, since we first started this 
caucus, we've had almost 25 briefings on everything from lighting 
technology and building modeling to smart-grid facilities management 
and green job creation.
  Understanding how every element of a building affects us--and our 
energy bill--is important. Buildings consume 40 percent of the energy 
used in the U.S. while emitting 39 percent of U.S. carbon dioxide 
emissions. Perhaps a more surprising statistic is that Americans spend, 
on average, 90 percent of their time indoors. With this in mind, new 
building construction and sustainability of our current building 
inventory is more important now than ever.
  Consider two statistics from the U.S. Green Building Council: 
Students with optimum daylight in the classroom performed 20 percent 
faster on math tests and 26 percent faster on reading tests in 1 year 
than those with less daylight. Improvements with indoor environments 
are estimated to save $17 billion to $48 billion in total health gains 
and $20 billion to $160 billion in worker performance.
  Most importantly, a 2009 McKinsey study on energy efficiency 
demonstrates the potential for the residential building sector to 
reduce its energy consumption by 35 percent over the next 10 years, and 
40 percent in the industrial sector. For these reasons, Mr. Speaker, it 
is important that we maintain our commitment to and awareness of high-
performance buildings and the benefits they offer society.
  We could not honor the goals and ideals of High-Performance Building 
Week without thanking those groups that have helped us over the last 2 
years. Dozens of building and standard organizations make up the High-
Performance Buildings Congressional Caucus Coalition. I know I speak 
for myself and my fellow caucus co-chair when I say thank you for your 
help educating, researching, and advancing the goal of high-performance 
buildings.
  Ms. RICHARDSON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of House 
Resolution 1388, to support the goals and ideals of National Hurricane 
Preparedness Week. This important resolution urges the people of the 
United States to recognize this week as an opportunity to learn more 
about the work of the National Hurricane Center in forecasting 
hurricanes and educating citizens about the potential risks of the 
storms.
  I would like to acknowledge Speaker Pelosi and Majority Leader Hoyer 
for their leadership in bringing this resolution to the floor. I would 
also like to thank my colleague Congressman Mario Diaz-Balart, who 
authored this timely resolution.
  As Chair of the Homeland Security Subcommittee on Emergency 
Communications, Preparedness, and Response, emergency preparedness for 
all types of natural disasters, such as flash floods in natural parks 
or wildfires in southern California, is an important issue to me. I 
will soon be introducing legislation that emphasizes the importance and 
need for effective and reliable alert systems when these national 
disasters occur.
  In an average 3-year period, roughly 5 hurricanes strike the 
coastlines of the United States. The 2009 Atlantic hurricane season 
included 9 named storms, including 3 hurricanes, 2 of which were 
category 3 or higher.

[[Page 11234]]

Because damage from a hurricane can be substantial, the National 
Hurricane Center recommends that people in areas prone to hurricanes 
prepare a personal evacuation plan that identifies ahead of time 
several options of places to go in the event of evacuation, the 
telephone numbers of these places, and a local road map. When a 
hurricane threatens the United States, people in potential flood zones 
must evacuate if told to do so, keep abreast of road conditions through 
the news media, move to a safe area before access is cut off by flood 
water, and develop a flood emergency action plan.
  H. Res. 1388 encourages the staff of the National Oceanic and 
Atmospheric Administration, especially the National Weather Service and 
the National Hurricane Center, to continue their outstanding work of 
educating people in the United States about hurricane preparedness. In 
conclusion, Mr. Speaker, I support this legislation to promote 
increased safety measures during hurricane season.
  Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to join me in supporting H. Res. 
1388.
  Mr. BILIRAKIS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to express my strong support 
for H. Res. 1388, Supporting the Goals and Ideals of National Hurricane 
Preparedness Week. As a representative of a Congressional District 
along Florida's Gulf Coast, many of my constituents have witnessed the 
destruction that hurricanes can cause. Although the Tampa Bay area has 
been fortunate enough to evade the path of a major storm for the past 
five years, we must not forget the importance of being prepared.
  The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration has predicted 
that this could be an extremely active hurricane season, with 14 to 23 
named storms. I worry that predictions of an active season exacerbated 
by the still unknown implications of the effects of the oil spill could 
be a recipe for the most devastating season we've yet to experience.
  Although we hope and pray that this will not become reality, we must 
also call to mind the memories of the power outages and physical damage 
caused by the high speed winds. We must put ourselves in a position of 
preparedness.
  I encourage all individuals, especially those who reside along the 
Gulf Coast and Eastern Seaboard, to take the necessary precautions to 
prepare themselves and their families should these predictions prove 
accurate. Develop an emergency plan. Make a disaster preparedness kit 
that includes water, nonperishable food items, a first aid kit, 
medications, and important documents. Know emergency evacuation routes. 
The best time to prepare is now.
  Ms. JACKSON LEE of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H. Res. 
1388, a resolution that supports the goals and ideals of National 
Hurricane Preparedness Week. I also want to thank my colleague, the 
honorable Mario Diaz-Balart, for introducing this important resolution.
  My district is in the wake of many hurricanes that make their way 
into the Gulf of Mexico. Hurricane season has a profound impact on our 
way of life in the gulf. Hurricane season is upon us, and with it comes 
the distinct possibility of Mother Nature wreaking more havoc on our 
gulf coast. Our oceans are in peril. Reams of film from the field reach 
all of our doorsteps, pictures of oil covered birds, ailing mammals, 
and other creatures that couldn't possibly survive the copious amounts 
of oil. The harm done to our gulf is already at an unprecedented level.
  Unfortunately, as long as oil plumes continue to form nebulous clouds 
of black a mile beneath the deep blue sea, we will continue to push 
that unprecedented level of destruction even further, continue to see 
our gulf shores littered with amorphous lumps of oil, continue to see 
the gulf coast crowded with sick animals, continue to see the gulf 
fishing industry suffer.
  Lost in the discussion of Sunday's World Refugee Day was the group of 
internally displaced individuals from Ike, Rita, and especially 
Katrina.
  For example, our latest hurricane, Hurricane Ike, wreaked havoc on 
Texas, particularly in Galveston and Houston. As we moved forward with 
recovery efforts, it was clear that the impact of this storm had been 
widespread and many people were still in need of assistance.
  Hurricane Ike pummeled the Texas Gulf Coast, resulting in at least 38 
deaths in Texas, evacuation of over 1 million residents, hundreds more 
are either missing or remain unaccounted for, over 2,000 residents were 
rescued from harrowing conditions, and more than $11 billion worth of 
damage according to preliminary estimates, making this the most costly 
storm in Texas history.
  In the weeks that followed Hurricane Ike, over 2.5 million families 
struggled to survive with no electricity, including no air conditioning 
in the sweltering heat, which had a particularly severe impact on the 
elderly, disabled, impoverished and other vulnerable populations. 
Clearly, we need to invest substantial funds to improve our electric 
grids to ensure that the disparate impact on vulnerable populations is 
corrected and never allowed to reoccur.
  Just as we saw in the Ninth Ward of New Orleans, Louisiana Post-
Hurricane Katrina, internally displaced individuals from hurricanes do 
not receive the proper access to government aid to rebuild and recover. 
In fact, there is still a desperate need of housing and much more 
rebuilding that needs to be done to restore previous hurricane disaster 
victims and assist the residents who remain there.
  We cannot allow the hurricane victims to be forgotten. Throughout our 
Post-Hurricane recovery efforts, many individuals have had difficulties 
and challenges getting the government aid that they need to rebuild 
after the storm. Many lost their jobs or are at risk of losing their 
employment due to damages incurred by the hurricane.
  There are men, women, and children who have lost so much due to flood 
waters and storm winds. I have been proud to stand up repeatedly in 
Congress to fight on their behalf by securing the necessary federal 
funds. We must work together to ensure that our nation does its part to 
help hurricane victims fully recover by ensuring the delivery of funds 
that we worked so hard to appropriate. As a senior Member of the House 
Homeland Security Committee, which has oversight over the Federal 
Emergency Management Administration, FEMA, I am working to ensure that 
our communities respond expeditiously to natural disasters. The 
protection of our homeland and the security of our neighborhoods are at 
the forefront of my agenda.
  While Hurricane Ike has left an enormous amount of devastation, it 
has demonstrated yet again the amazing unity, strength and resilience 
that Texans possess. Whether rich or poor, black or white, young or 
old, Democrat or Republican, everyone has been working together to 
respond, recover, rebuild and move forward.
  We must work together to improve access to housing and the critical 
infrastructure necessary to ensure that the residents of North 
Galveston and their communities are safe. Where unacceptable 
vulnerabilities remain, swift action must be taken to eliminate them. I 
am committed to ensuring the implementation of such action.
  My friends, this oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico threatens the 
livelihood of the citizens of the south central region of these United 
States, and deprives all Americans of the beauty and reasonable use of 
the seas and its inhabitants.
  I urge my colleagues to support this bill.
  Mr. SMITH of Nebraska. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my 
time.
  Mr. CARNAHAN. Mr. Speaker, I just want to add again my thanks to the 
gentlelady from Illinois for her leadership on the High-Performance 
Buildings Caucus and for being here to speak on behalf of the prior 
resolution.
  Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The question is on the motion offered by the 
gentleman from Missouri (Mr. Carnahan) that the House suspend the rules 
and agree to the resolution, H. Res. 1388.
  The question was taken.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. In the opinion of the Chair, two-thirds 
being in the affirmative, the ayes have it.
  Mr. CARNAHAN. Mr. Speaker, I object to the vote on the ground that a 
quorum is not present and make the point of order that a quorum is not 
present.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to clause 8 of rule XX and the 
Chair's prior announcement, further proceedings on this motion will be 
postponed.
  The point of no quorum is considered withdrawn.

                          ____________________