Bob Ney

Mr. NEY

Mr. NEY. Mr. Speaker: Whereas Rob Vernon has been a dedicated president of the Muskingum County Farm Bureau worthy of merit and recognition; and Whereas, Rob Vernon should be rewarded for his passion and commitment toward farming; and Whereas, Rob Vernon should be commended for the excellence and devotion with which he served the county of Muskingum. Therefore, I join with the residents of the entire 18th Congressional District of Ohio in honoring and congratulating Rob Vernon for his outstanding accomplishments.

Mr. NEY

Mr. NEY. Mr. Speaker: Whereas, I hereby offer my heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of Louis Mendelson; and Whereas, Louis Mendelson will certainly be remembered by all those who knew him because of his upright character; and Whereas, Louis Mendelson was born and raised in Bellaire, Ohio and owned the former Berman's Mens Store in Bellaire; and Whereas, Louis Mendelson was active in many endeavors in his community as a member of the Temple Shalom Synagogue in Wheeling, West Virginia, a member of the Bellaire Area Chamber of Commerce, and Bellaire Kiwanis Club; and Whereas, Louis Mendelson will be remembered and honored for his public service as a U.S. Army Veteran of World War II. Therefore, while I understand how words cannot express our grief at this most trying of times, I offer this token of profound sympathy to the family and friends of Louis Mendelson.

Mr. NEY

Mr. NEY. Mr. Speaker, on September 8, 2005, I was unable to be present for rollcall vote No. 464, on the motion to suspend the rules and agree to H. Res. 427. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yes'' on rollcall vote No. 464.

Mr. NEY

Mr. NEY. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, today I rise in support of H.R. 3669, the National Flood Insurance Program Enhanced Borrowing Authority Act of 2005. This is an important bill. This legislation increases FEMA's borrowing authority for flood insurance by $2 billion and will go a long way in helping the Department's flood insurance response. This bill will ensure the program has sufficient funding on a cash basis in the short term. It will also allow FEMA to continue payment of the initial claims resulting from Hurricane Katrina while the administration further evaluates the extent of the damage and the most appropriate means to cover all potential claims. In the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, the Federal and local governments now face the Herculean task of coordinating the relocation of thousands upon thousands of individuals and families whose lives have been torn apart by devastation and rising floodwaters. There are more than 78,000 people now in shelters who will be requiring short-term and long-term-range housing solutions. In fact, today we had a roundtable with the gentleman from North Carolina (Mr. Miller) and the gentleman from Massachusetts (Mr. Frank) and the gentlewoman from California (Ms. Waters), and this very issue was talked about and the magnitude of it and the importance of it and the urgency of it. In addition, it has been estimated that up to 360,000 residential mortgages could be negatively affected by the damage caused by the hurricane across the gulf region. Conservative estimates on residential and commercial property damage are in the range of $20 billion. Floods have been and continue to be one of the most destructive and most costly natural hazards to our Nation. During this past year alone, there have been three major floods in my area in Ohio. All three of these incidents qualified for Federal relief, granted by the President. Recent flooding in January this year resulted in historic levels in several local dams, and in Tuscarawas County, a community I represent, 7,000 people were displaced and forced to evacuate. So I have witnessed firsthand what floods can do. But I will tell my colleagues that, of course, the magnitude of what is going on down south is beyond belief. Last Congress, the Committee on Financial Services spent considerable time and effort on legislation to reauthorize and reform the National Flood Insurance Program. On June 30, 2004, President Bush signed into law the Flood Insurance Reform Act. This legislation reauthorizes the National Flood Insurance Program, NFIP, through September 2008. The major goal of the Flood Insurance Reform Act last Congress was to reauthorize and reform the program with an eye toward maintaining the financial viability of the NFIP. While some provisions were included to address administrative and procedural concerns regarding it, we did not focus on issues that were procedural in nature such as the filing of claims, the timeliness of response to the claims filing, policyholder education, and insurance agent sales and training. Consequently, the Subcommittee on Housing and Community Opportunity has continued to review the National Flood Insurance Program in an effort to determine what changes need to be made to address the program's shortcomings. In addition to a request for a GAO study, our subcommittee has conducted three hearings this year on this important program, including a field hearing 2 weeks ago in rural Ohio. As the damage assessments and insurance claims begin to come in from the gulf coast region, we will be continuing our oversight of the NFIP and to look for possible legislative solutions that make this program as efficient and responsive as it can be. The National Flood Insurance Program is a valuable tool in addressing the losses incurred to this country due to floods. It assures that businesses and families have access to affordable flood insurance that would not be available on the open market. Clearly, we need to continue our review of this program and to take steps to make sure it is meeting the needs of those for whom it was intended. In times like these, it is more important than ever for Americans to stand united in helping our fellow citizens. The House of Representatives will continue to stand with the people of the gulf coast and our colleagues who represent those areas throughout this effort, and we encourage Americans who want to help to contact charitable organizations in their areas. America has overcome challenges in the past. As Members of the House and, specifically, the Committee on Financial Services, we are prepared to roll up our sleeves and do the hard work to overcome this tragedy. Increasing FEMA's borrowing authority for the National Flood Insurance Program is just one step in the process of helping those who have been affected by Katrina's waters. I would like to thank the gentleman from Ohio (Chairman Oxley) for his expeditious work in sending this bill to the floor. I would also like to thank the gentleman from Louisiana (Chairman Baker), the gentlewoman from California (Ms. Waters), the gentlewoman from Florida (Ms. Ginny Brown-Waite), the gentleman from Alabama (Mr. Davis), and especially thank the gentleman from Massachusetts (Mr. Frank) for helping us to move this legislation. I urge the adoption of this important piece of legislation. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. NEY. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 3669) to temporarily increase the borrowing authority of the Federal Emergency Management Agency for carrying out the national flood insurance program.

Mr. NEY. Mr. Speaker, I yield 5 minutes to the gentlewoman from Virginia (Mrs. Jo Ann Davis).

Mr. NEY. Mr. Speaker, if the gentlewoman will yield, yes, that is my understanding.

Mr. NEY. Mr. Speaker, I agree with the gentlewoman, and I also want to commend her for her work product and the time that she has put in on the Committee on Financial Services. She has definitely added to and benefited us to be able to work through these programs and to make these reforms, and we have appreciated all of that input from the gentlewoman. It has been invaluable. The gentlewoman's testimony earlier this year regarded the lingering effects of Hurricane Isabel and the numerous problems that her constituents had in processing claims and payments of the National Flood Insurance Program. I share the gentlewoman's concerns that these problems will increase in the wake of this recent hurricane, no doubt; and I anticipate that we will need to conduct further oversight hearings on FEMA's administration of the program. The committee has already held three hearings on the NFIP this year and, as I mentioned, most recently one in my district in Ohio. We have heard numerous stories about inaccurate flood maps, delayed and inaccurate claim payments, and misunderstandings about the nature and extent of flood policy coverage. I know the gentlewoman has heard about that too and has done her level best to respond to her constituents, which I know they appreciate. As a result, we have asked the GAO to conduct a study of the NFIP, and I pledge to continue to ensure that the program meets the needs of the people it was designed to assist. I really look forward to working with the gentlewoman to meet those ends to do what is right for your constituents and the Nation when it comes to continuing to reform and work with this program.

Mr. NEY. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. NEY. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, again, I want to thank the gentleman from Massachusetts (Mr. Frank) for supporting this and the reforms that we have had. Let me also say something. The gentleman mentioned about what is going on in the rest of the complex. And we are hearing things and looking at a bigger picture in some long-term eyes, but also some short-term eyes. And I think as we go down this path, just to go off of this bill for a second because we are talking about money today and we are going to spend two billion more, but as we also go down this path in the near weeks to come, I think that the Congress is going to have to put its fingerprints, and we are going to work together, but it is going to have to put its fingerprints on some things. You just take the current system and you throw some money into it and you say here is another X amount of billion dollars, and we do not consider the human need, basic need right now for housing, for transitional housing, to do something about the shelters, the gentlewoman from California (Ms. Waters) mentioned that today in the meeting. But we are going to have to put our fingerprints on some of it. We just cannot let it be up to the standard system of here is the money, and the government agency will then decide what it is going to do. Yes, there are certain monies they can do that. There is also going to be certain things that we are going to have to take a good look at and be able to think outside the box for a situation that is very dramatic for people, and it is going to have to be done soon. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. NEY

Mr. NEY. Mr. Speaker, I hereby offer my heartfelt condolences to the family, friends, and community of Nathaniel Rock upon the death of this outstanding Marine. Nathaniel Rock was a member of the United States Marine Corps serving his great nation in the country of Iraq. He was a loving son to his parents, and a caring brother to Jared Rock with whom he served with as a Martins Ferry police officer. Nathaniel Rock was an active citizen in his community and did his best to make his country a better place to live. Nathaniel Rock will be remembered for his unsurpassed sacrifice of self while protecting others. His example of strength and fortitude will be remembered by all those who knew him. While words cannot express our grief during the loss of such a courageous Marine, I offer this token of profound sympathy to the family, friends, and colleagues of Nathaniel Rock. Your service has made us proud.

Mr. NEY

Mr. NEY. Mr. Speaker, I hereby offer my heartfelt condolences to the family, friends, and community of Sergeant Bradley Jared Harper upon the death of this outstanding soldier. Sergeant Harper was a member of Company A, 4th Amphibious Assault Battalion, 4th Marine Division, Norfolk, Virginia serving his great nation in the country of Iraq. He was a leader in his unit and a loving husband to his wife. Sergeant Harper was an active citizen in his community and did his best to make his country a better place to live. Sergeant Harper will be remembered for his unsurpassed sacrifice of self while protecting others. His example of strength and fortitude will be remembered by all those who knew him. While words cannot express our grief during the loss of such a courageous soldier, I offer this token of profound sympathy to the family, friends, and colleagues of Sergeant Bradley Jared Harper.

Mr. NEY

Mr. NEY. Mr. Speaker, I hereby offer my heartfelt condolences to the family, friends, and community of Lance Cpl. Aaron H. Reed upon the death of this outstanding Marine who served with the 3rd Battalion, 25th Marine Regiment, Fourth Division, Lima Company. Lance Cpl. Aaron H. Reed was an active member of the Richmond Dale Church of God where his devotion to the Lord was fostered though his commitment to the Youth Group. He was an active citizen in his community and did his best to make his country a better place to live. Lance Cpl. Aaron H. Reed will be remembered for his unsurpassed sacrifice of self while protecting others. His example of strength and fortitude will be remembered by all those who knew him. While words cannot express our grief during the loss of such a courageous Marine, I offer this token of profound sympathy to the family, friends, and colleagues of Lance Cpl. Aaron H. Reed.

Mr. NEY

Mr. NEY. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days within which to revise and extend their remarks and include extraneous material on H.R. 3669, the bill just considered.

Mr. NEY

Mr. NEY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commemorate the life of a great American, Edward M. Reutinger. Edward Reutinger passed away on August 25, 2005, from a stroke at the age of 58. He was a Green Township trustee in Ross County, Ohio, for 12 years and planned on renewing his public service to Ohio this November by running for trustee again. Edward Reutinger was a devoted family man and a cherished husband, father, grandfather, and uncle. He and his wife were set to celebrate their 37th wedding anniversary this year. Mr. Speaker, Edward Reutinger represents some of the best that Ohio and America have to offer. I want to remember him for his upstanding citizenship and for the love he had for his township and his country. May God rest his soul.

Mr. NEY

Mr. NEY. Mr. Speaker, whereas, Marc West has devoted himself to serving others through his membership in the Eagle Scouts; and Whereas, Marc West has shared his time and talent with the community in which he resides; and Whereas, Marc West has demonstrated a commitment to meet challenges with enthusiasm, confidence and outstanding service; and Whereas, Marc West must be commended for the hard work and dedication he put forth in earning the Eagle Scout Award. Therefore, I join with the residents of Zanesville, the entire 18th Congressional District of Ohio, Marc's family and friends in congratulating Marc West as he receives the Eagle Scout Award.

Mr. NEY

Mr. NEY. Mr. Speaker, whereas, Wayne Ickes is celebrating 50 years of service and dedication to the ministry; and Whereas, Wayne Ickes is the well loved executive pastor of East Richland Evangelical Friends Church in East Richland, OH; and Whereas, Wayne Ickes is happily married to Barbara with sons David and Doug. Therefore, I join with the residents of East Richland, and the entire 18th Congressional District of Ohio in congratulating Wayne Ickes as he celebrates his 50th Anniversary of service to the Lord.

Mr. NEY

Mr. NEY. Mr. Speaker, whereas, Frances Wilkinson has been a faithful member of the Board of Trustees of Belmont Senior Services for 25 years; and Whereas, Frances Wilkinson has lovingly guided and nurtured the Belmont County Senior Services molding it into a effective and productive agency; and Whereas, Frances Wilkinson has established a legacy of dedication to a worthy agency that provides care for the elderly citizens of Belmont County. Therefore, I join with the residents of the 18th Congressional District of Ohio and the entire State in commending Frances Wilkinson for her outstanding ability to give of herself to others for the past 25 years.

Mr. NEY

Mr. NEY. Mr. Speaker, whereas, Andrew W. Kirkland has devoted himself to serving others through his membership in the Boy Scouts of America; and Whereas, Andrew W. Kirkland has shared his time and talent with the community in which he resides; and Whereas, Andrew W. Kirkland has demonstrated a commitment to meet challenges with enthusiasm, confidence and outstanding service; and Whereas, Andrew W. Kirkland must be commended for the hard work and dedication he put forth in earning the Eagle Scout Award. Therefore, I join with the residents of Cadiz, the entire 18th Congressional District, Andrew's family and friends in congratulating Andrew W. Kirkland as he receives the Eagle Scout Award.

Mr. NEY

Mr. NEY. Mr. Speaker, whereas, Nancy Bell received the Spirit of Democracy Award in recognition for her accomplishments as the Director of the Ross County Board of Elections; and Whereas, Nancy Bell has been acknowledged by Secretary of State J. Kenneth Blackwell; and Whereas, Nancy Bell should be commended for her outstanding dedication to the Ross County Board of Elections and for her exceptional knowledge of the elections process. Therefore, I join with the residents of the entire 18th Congressional District of Ohio in honoring and congratulating Nancy Bell for receiving the Spirit of Democracy Award.

Mr. NEY

Mr. NEY. Mr. Speaker, whereas, Jill Thompson is being recognized as the Athen's County Auditor; and Whereas, Jill Thompson is being honored as the Distinguished County Auditor; and Whereas, Jill Thompson should be commended for her completion of 100 or more hours of continuing education during her office term. Therefore, I join with the residents of the entire 18th Congressional District of Ohio in honoring and congratulating Jill Thompson for her outstanding accomplishment.

Mr. NEY

Mr. NEY. Mr. Speaker, whereas, Susan Coler has been recognized with the Morgan County Board of Mental Retardation and Developmental Disabilities 2004 Employee of the Year Award for the enthusiasm and knowledge she brings to the job; and Whereas, Susan Coler has displayed commitment and sincere dedication to the individuals in the Mary Hammond Programs; and Whereas, Susan Coler should be commended for her involvement with the 4-H Riding Therapy Program and her contributions to the Morgan County Special Olympics. Therefore, I join with the residents of the entire 18th Congressional District of Ohio in honoring and congratulating Susan Coler for her outstanding accomplishment.

Mr. NEY

Mr. NEY. Mr. Speaker, whereas, James Amato has demonstrated ongoing commitment to public service for the Shadyside School District and the Village of Shadyside, OH; and Whereas, James Amato has served the State of Ohio as both an educator and a legislator for over 27 years; and Whereas, James Amato has exemplified the meaning of successful civic duty through his unselfish role to serve the greater good of the Ohio Valley. Therefore, I join with the residents of the District of Shadyside and the entire 18th Congressional District of Ohio in recognizing James Amato for his longtime dedication to the residents and children of Shadyside, OH.

Mr. NEY

Mr. NEY. Mr. Speaker, whereas, Wanda Kafury has been designated as the AAA District 9 Elder Caregiver of the Year; and Whereas, Wanda Kafury has been acknowledged by the Ohio Department of Aging for her several years of faithful service; and Whereas, Wanda Kafury should be commended for her compassion and dedication. Therefore, I join with the residents of the entire 18th Congressional District of Ohio in honoring and congratulating Wanda Kafury for her outstanding accomplishment.

Mr. NEY

Mr. NEY. Mr. Speaker, whereas, Eva J. Denney was born on June 19, 1905; and Whereas, Eva J. Denney is celebrating her 100th birthday today; and Whereas, Eva J. Denney, is a long-time active participant in the social and civic life of her community; and Whereas, Eva J. Denney has exemplified a love for her family and friends and must be commended for her life-long dedication to helping others. Therefore, I join with the residents of the entire 18th Congressional District of Ohio in wishing Eva J. Denney a very happy 100th birthday.