Diaz-Balart Statement on Addressing Disasters in U.S. Cities

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 addressing disasters in cities and the recommendations of the U.S. Conference of Mayors:

“In January, the U.S. Conference of Mayors’ Stafford Act Reform Task Force issued its recommendations on how we can better prepare for, mitigate against, and respond to future disasters. As a member from the State of Florida – a state that sees its share of disasters – I appreciate the experience and work the Task Force members put into developing their recommendations.

“Hurricane Katrina was a wake up call. It has now been nearly five years since Hurricane Katrina hit the Gulf Coast and devastated parts of Louisiana, Mississippi, Texas and Alabama.

“Since that time, Congress has taken a number of important steps to strengthen FEMA and our nation’s emergency management capability, including passing the Post-Katrina Reform Act. But, while that legislation took important steps to improve preparedness and response, there is more work that remains to be done.

“For example, all too often, recovery following a major disaster has been slowed by bureaucratic red-tape and inflexible policies. In hearing after hearing, we have received testimony about the slow, laborious process through which communities have to navigate.

“Congressman Cao of our Subcommittee has worked tirelessly to cut through that bureaucracy and free up funding for the recovery in Louisiana. Last year, Ranking Member Mica hosted two roundtables at his request to bring together FEMA and state and local representatives to work through the funding backlog. And, last year a new arbitration process was established to expedite recovery funding, which has freed up more funds for rebuilding in Louisiana.

“But it should not have to take roundtables and an arbitration panel to cut through the bureaucratic red-tape.

“Responsible changes to the Stafford Act and FEMA policies can go a long way to speed up the recovery of communities devastated by disasters. We understand that Administrator Fugate is committed to reviewing FEMA’s policies to examine ways to streamline and improve FEMA’s role in assisting state and local communities. For example, allowing for the mitigation reconstruction of damaged structures would make more sense in many cases than simply elevating old structures to mitigate against flooding but which does little to protect against wind.

“This Congress, I worked with Chairwoman Norton of the Subcommittee, along with Chairman Oberstar and Ranking Member Mica on H.R. 3377, the Stafford Act bill, which was ordered reported in November. That bill includes provisions intended to improve preparedness and mitigation, including incentives for building codes, improving the nation’s public alert and warning system, and providing for the transfer of excess goods and housing units to local communities. It also includes proposals recommended by Congressman Cao to provide more flexibility in responding to widespread disasters.

“As we move forward on this important piece of legislation, input from the mayors is critical. Good planning and response to a disaster starts at the local level. We know that many mayors and local communities, unfortunately, have first-hand, practical knowledge of what may need to be changed or improved.”