[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 162 (2016), Part 9]
[House]
[Page 12503]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                       HURRICANE IKE ANNIVERSARY

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Chair recognizes the gentleman from 
Texas (Mr. Weber) for 5 minutes.
  Mr. WEBER of Texas. Mr. Speaker, today marks 8 years since Hurricane 
Ike made landfall over Galveston, Texas. This Category 4 storm ripped 
through communities in the city of Galveston and Galveston County, 
making its way inland through the Houston region. The storm caused over 
100 fatalities, washed away homes, flooded communities, and shut down 
much of the region's energy production. In total, this hurricane cost 
$37.5 billion nationwide, making it the third costliest hurricane in 
United States history. Even though Hurricane Ike caused extensive 
damage, we know it could have been much worse.
  The effects of another major hurricane on the Houston region and our 
Nation would absolutely be devastating. Over 6 million people call this 
area home, and many of them work in critical economic sectors like 
health care and energy refining. The impact would be felt in every 
congressional district across the country. For example, according to 
reports published immediately after Hurricane Ike made landfall, gas 
prices spiked between 30 and 60 cents per gallon across many States due 
to the disruption in energy production in the Houston region.
  We do not know, Mr. Speaker, when the next big storm will hit our 
shores, which is why it is of paramount importance for Congress, the 
Federal Government, and our State to prioritize funding for coastal 
protection along the Texas coast. Progress on a comprehensive Federal 
evaluation of our coastal vulnerabilities is long overdue. I am 
grateful, Mr. Speaker, that the Texas General Land Office and the Army 
Corps of Engineers are moving forward in partnership on the Coastal 
Texas Protection and Restoration Study. Once completed, this study will 
make the case for coastal infrastructure projects that would qualify 
for Federal dollars and would protect our vulnerable coastal 
communities, our energy infrastructure, maritime industries, and, most 
importantly, major population centers.
  I am doing everything I can, Mr. Speaker, to make sure a Federal 
study of our coast is completed expeditiously. Along with Senator 
Cornyn, I have introduced the COAST Act, which is actually the Corps' 
Obligation to Assist in Safeguarding Texas Act. If enacted, this 
legislation would require the Army Corps to take into consideration 
existing studies and data already available to help expedite the 
Federal Government's work. This legislation would also immediately 
authorize any projects should they be justified.
  Mr. Speaker, I will continue to work with all relevant Federal, 
State, and local leaders to expedite Federal work to protect the Texas 
Gulf Coast from dangerous storms. This is a critical Federal interest 
and should be a national priority.
  Mr. Speaker, you know that is right.

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