Diaz-Balart Statement from Hearing on FEMA & EDA Budgets

Washington, DC – The following is the statement of U.S. Rep. Mario Diaz-Balart (R-FL), Economic Development, Public Buildings and Emergency Management Subcommittee Ranking Member, from today’s hearing on the proposed fiscal year 2011 budgets for the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the Economic Development Administration (EDA):

“As I have said many times before, EDA manages to do a lot with relatively little. Studies reveal that EDA programs create jobs at an average cost of $4,000 per job. And, every $1 million of EDA funding attracts $11 million of private and other public funding.

“EDA programs are an example of how to get real return on investment. In reviewing the proposed budget for EDA, we must ensure new priorities are consistent with EDA’s mission and create similar results for economic growth and jobs.

“FEMA’s mission, as we all know, is critically important to our nation and the Administration proposes a number policy changes. Like with EDA, we must closely evaluate proposals for changes in programs and policies to ensure they are consistent with FEMA’s role and mission.

“For example, the Administration proposes the consolidation of FEMA’s state and local programs into the larger State Homeland Security Program. Combining programs that require a nexus to terrorism with those intended to be all-hazard, like Citizen Corps, is likely to create confusion and add to the administrative burden on the states rather than streamline it.

“In addition, it will be important for this subcommittee today to understand the proposal to modify Pre-Disaster Mitigation (PDM) to include a FEMA-HUD partnership on sustainable communities. Studies have shown that mitigation dollars funded through programs like PDM go a long way to minimize damage and save lives. The CBO has determined that for every dollar invested in mitigation three dollars are saved in future loses. Ensuring that any new initiative for these funds will provide a similar return is critical to maximizing the impact of scarce mitigation dollars.

“Finally, I hope to hear from our witnesses today on other key issues related to the roles of FEMA and EDA in the work of the Long-Term Recovery Working Group and any progress FEMA has made on its review of regulations and policies to better prepare for and respond to widespread disasters.

“I would also like to recognize the urgent need for Congress to approve the supplemental appropriations for the Disaster Relief Fund. With the ongoing recovery efforts in Louisiana, the recent flooding in parts of our nation and the beginning of hurricane season, we must ensure the dwindling funds in the DRF are replenished.”

The Administration’s fiscal year 2011 budget proposes $246 million for EDA’s assistance programs. The Administration’s budget proposal also proposes $7.3 billion for FEMA, and $5.1 billion in supplemental appropriations has been requested for the Disaster Relief Fund.