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Shays Votes to Increase
Funds for FEMA Emergency Response and Disaster Relief Plans
for Weather-Related Disasters
Washington, D.C. –Congressman Christopher Shays (R-CT)
today voted for an amendment to H.R. 5441, the Department
of Homeland Security Appropriations Act, to provide funding
for FEMA to conduct a comprehensive study of its emergency
response and disaster relief services as a result of weather-related
disasters associated with global warming. The amendment failed
by a vote of 170 to 251.
The following is Mr. Shays statement in support of
the amendment.
I rise in support of this amendment, which would provide
funding for FEMA to conduct a comprehensive study of its emergency
response and disaster relief services as a result of weather-related
disasters associated with global warming.
There is no doubt in my mind that global warming is happening
and that man is contributing to it. Now, it is our responsibility
to work to mitigate the impacts of potentially catastrophic
climate change.
2005 is currently tied with 1998 for the warmest year on
record. However, the warmth in 2005 is remarkable because,
in contrast to 1998, it was not boosted by El Nino. And since
1990, we’ve had the 10 hottest years
on record.
Hurricanes are getting stronger, heat-waves are hitting harder
and more often, and the polar ice cap and Greenland’s
ice are melting. Several weeks ago, the Northeast saw some
of the worst flooding in 70 years, and the strength of Hurricane
Katrina created a tragedy of Biblical proportions. These examples
of what climate change can do tell us we must act now before
another disaster hits.
We need to address climate change with concerted action and
with bipartisan dialogue, regional cooperation and an alliance
between industry and environmentalists.
The threat from global warming is very real, and we must
act now to combat potentially catastrophic climate change.
We cannot leave this legacy to our children and grandchildren.
We simply will not have a world to live in if we continue
our neglectful ways.
Contact: Sarah Moore, 202/225-5541
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