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Reps. Long and Hartzler Vote Against Superstorm Sandy Aid -- Rep. Broun Attempts NWS Readiness Cut
Sadly, it is not surprising that the hypocrisy of two Republican representatives from Missouri and that the blind stupidity of one Republican representative from Georgia is easily demonstrated:
Was Joplin hit by a devastating tornado?
Joplin Tornado Event Summary
May 22, 2011
On a hot and humid Sunday afternoon on May 22, 2011, a supercell thunderstorm tracked from extreme southeast Kansas into far southwest Missouri (NWS Springfield, County Warning Area). This storm produced an EF-5 tornado over Joplin, Missouri causing incredible devastation and a tragic loss of life. This storm along with others generated additional tornadoes, wind damage and flash flooding across far southwest Missouri.
The staff at NWS Springfield would like to take this opportunity, one year later, to remember all those who lost their lives and those who were impacted by this devastating event. We also want to thank all who responded and served the Joplin community immediately following and long after the event to help heal and rebuild an even stronger community.
A large portion of Joplin, Missouri was devastated by an EF-5 (greater than 200 mph) tornado resulting in 158 fatalities and over 1000 injured in the Joplin MO area. The Joplin tornado is the deadliest since modern record keeping began in 1950 and is ranked 7th among the deadliest tornadoes in U.S. history.
The tornado surpassed the June 8, 1953, tornado that claimed 116 lives in Flint, Mich., as the deadliest single tornado to strike the U.S. since modern tornado recordkeeping began in 1950. The deadliest tornado on record in the U.S. was on March 18, 1925. The “Tri-State Tornado” (MO, IL, IN) had a 291-mile path, was rated F5 based on a historic assessment, and caused 695 fatalities.
...
http://www.crh.noaa.gov/sgf/?n=event_2011may22_summary
May 22, 2011
On a hot and humid Sunday afternoon on May 22, 2011, a supercell thunderstorm tracked from extreme southeast Kansas into far southwest Missouri (NWS Springfield, County Warning Area). This storm produced an EF-5 tornado over Joplin, Missouri causing incredible devastation and a tragic loss of life. This storm along with others generated additional tornadoes, wind damage and flash flooding across far southwest Missouri.
The staff at NWS Springfield would like to take this opportunity, one year later, to remember all those who lost their lives and those who were impacted by this devastating event. We also want to thank all who responded and served the Joplin community immediately following and long after the event to help heal and rebuild an even stronger community.
A large portion of Joplin, Missouri was devastated by an EF-5 (greater than 200 mph) tornado resulting in 158 fatalities and over 1000 injured in the Joplin MO area. The Joplin tornado is the deadliest since modern record keeping began in 1950 and is ranked 7th among the deadliest tornadoes in U.S. history.
The tornado surpassed the June 8, 1953, tornado that claimed 116 lives in Flint, Mich., as the deadliest single tornado to strike the U.S. since modern tornado recordkeeping began in 1950. The deadliest tornado on record in the U.S. was on March 18, 1925. The “Tri-State Tornado” (MO, IL, IN) had a 291-mile path, was rated F5 based on a historic assessment, and caused 695 fatalities.
...
http://www.crh.noaa.gov/sgf/?n=event_2011may22_summary
Was the City of Sedalia, a city in Rep. Hartzler's district, hit by an EF-2 tornado three days after the Joplin EF-5 tornado?
May 25 2011: Destructive Tornadoes Strike Sedalia and Kansas City Metropolitan Area
An EF-2 tornado, associated with winds up to 135 mph, damaged or destroyed numerous single family homes and businesses, severely damaged a mobile home park, blew over several tanker trucks, and injured nearly two dozen people as it roared through the southern part of Sedalia, Missouri. In addition, several school buses, located in the school district bus barn, were damaged by the tornado. The tornado was nearly one quarter of a mile wide and was on the ground for one and three-quarters of a mile, touching down on the southwest side of Sedalia along highway 65. The tornado struck at approximately 12:20 pm and was only on the ground for a couple minutes. Below are radar images captured at the approximate time that the tornado was on the ground.
...
http://www.crh.noaa.gov/eax/?n=severe-05252011
An EF-2 tornado, associated with winds up to 135 mph, damaged or destroyed numerous single family homes and businesses, severely damaged a mobile home park, blew over several tanker trucks, and injured nearly two dozen people as it roared through the southern part of Sedalia, Missouri. In addition, several school buses, located in the school district bus barn, were damaged by the tornado. The tornado was nearly one quarter of a mile wide and was on the ground for one and three-quarters of a mile, touching down on the southwest side of Sedalia along highway 65. The tornado struck at approximately 12:20 pm and was only on the ground for a couple minutes. Below are radar images captured at the approximate time that the tornado was on the ground.
...
http://www.crh.noaa.gov/eax/?n=severe-05252011
Did the US Government come to Joplin's aid, and did Rep. Long acknowledge this aid?
A Foe Of Big Government Seeks Aid For Joplin
by Frank Morris
September 23, 201112:01 AM
...
What followed, Long says, has been a superb relief effort.
"The president came in, he was great. [Homeland Security Secretary] Janet Napolitano came in, she's been great," he says. "[House Minority] Leader Pelosi came up to me on the floor, hugged me and said, 'Billy, anything the people of Joplin need they'll have.' "
And that's just what they've gotten: FEMA has spent close to $100 million on the cleanup, and an additional $19 million plus on rent and home repairs. Napolitano was back in Joplin on Thursday, praising Joplin's "can-do attitude" and Long.
"He's worked well with our office, with our shop," she said. "When he was asked about FEMA, to rank it shortly after the fact, on a scale of 1 to 10, he said he'd give it a 12."
...
http://www.npr.org/2011/09/23/140713653/a-foe-of-big-government-seeks-aid-for-joplin
by Frank Morris
September 23, 201112:01 AM
...
What followed, Long says, has been a superb relief effort.
"The president came in, he was great. [Homeland Security Secretary] Janet Napolitano came in, she's been great," he says. "[House Minority] Leader Pelosi came up to me on the floor, hugged me and said, 'Billy, anything the people of Joplin need they'll have.' "
And that's just what they've gotten: FEMA has spent close to $100 million on the cleanup, and an additional $19 million plus on rent and home repairs. Napolitano was back in Joplin on Thursday, praising Joplin's "can-do attitude" and Long.
"He's worked well with our office, with our shop," she said. "When he was asked about FEMA, to rank it shortly after the fact, on a scale of 1 to 10, he said he'd give it a 12."
...
http://www.npr.org/2011/09/23/140713653/a-foe-of-big-government-seeks-aid-for-joplin
Did the US Government come to Sedalia's aid?
Pettis County eligible for federal aid for tornado expenses
Posted: Tuesday, June 14, 2011 12:00 am | Updated: 11:01 am, Wed Sep 5, 2012.
Democrat staff
The Federal Emergency Management Agency on Monday night extended public disaster assistance to Pettis County.
According to a news release from the office of Gov. Jay Nixon, the public assistance extension allows local governments to seek assistance for response and recovery expenses associated with the tornado that hit Sedalia on May 25.
In addition, individual assistance is being extended to Pettis County, meaning eligible individuals and households can seek federal assistance for uninsured losses from the storms, tornadoes and flooding. Eligible uninsured losses included expenses such as temporary housing, home repair and replacement of household items.
...
http://www.sedaliademocrat.com/news/article_a1984f76-62f8-5c29-bd04-22ad3138ef32.html
Posted: Tuesday, June 14, 2011 12:00 am | Updated: 11:01 am, Wed Sep 5, 2012.
Democrat staff
The Federal Emergency Management Agency on Monday night extended public disaster assistance to Pettis County.
According to a news release from the office of Gov. Jay Nixon, the public assistance extension allows local governments to seek assistance for response and recovery expenses associated with the tornado that hit Sedalia on May 25.
In addition, individual assistance is being extended to Pettis County, meaning eligible individuals and households can seek federal assistance for uninsured losses from the storms, tornadoes and flooding. Eligible uninsured losses included expenses such as temporary housing, home repair and replacement of household items.
...
http://www.sedaliademocrat.com/news/article_a1984f76-62f8-5c29-bd04-22ad3138ef32.html
Did Rep. (R-MO, Sedalia) Hartzler (implicitly, with plausible deniability) offer federal aid?
On Twitter:
Rep. Vicky Hartzler ?@RepHartzler
"I have offered whatever help I can after the tornado. I stand ready to help. Will continue to pray for all Missouri storm victims."
http://twitter.com/RepHartzler/status/73533945186230272
Rep. Vicky Hartzler ?@RepHartzler
"I have offered whatever help I can after the tornado. I stand ready to help. Will continue to pray for all Missouri storm victims."
http://twitter.com/RepHartzler/status/73533945186230272
On her website:
Congresswoman Vicky Hartzler (MO-4) has issued the following statement in response to the tornado that hit the Sedalia area:
“My thoughts and prayers are with those who have been injured and who have been displaced as a result of the tornado that struck the Sedalia area Wednesday afternoon. While I am saddened by the reports of injuries and damages I thank God there are no reports of deaths. My staff and I are closely monitoring the situation, keeping in touch with local authorities who are assessing the damages. I will do what I can to help and assist during this difficult time."
http://hartzler.house.gov/press-release/congresswoman-hartzler-issues-statement-regarding-tornado-sedalia
Congresswoman Vicky Hartzler (MO-4) has issued the following statement in response to the tornado that hit the Sedalia area:
“My thoughts and prayers are with those who have been injured and who have been displaced as a result of the tornado that struck the Sedalia area Wednesday afternoon. While I am saddened by the reports of injuries and damages I thank God there are no reports of deaths. My staff and I are closely monitoring the situation, keeping in touch with local authorities who are assessing the damages. I will do what I can to help and assist during this difficult time."
http://hartzler.house.gov/press-release/congresswoman-hartzler-issues-statement-regarding-tornado-sedalia
Do either Rep. (R-MO, Joplin) Billy Long or Rep. (R-MO, Sedalia) Vicky Hartzler feel any responsibility to offer help to others who are suffering due to a natural disaster?
---- NAYS 180 ---
...
Broun (GA)
Buchanan
...
Hartzler
Hastings (WA)
...
Latta
Long
Luetkemeyer
Lummis
Marchant
...
http://clerk.house.gov/evs/2013/roll023.xml
...
Broun (GA)
Buchanan
...
Hartzler
Hastings (WA)
...
Latta
Long
Luetkemeyer
Lummis
Marchant
...
http://clerk.house.gov/evs/2013/roll023.xml
Clearly, they do not. It is, however, just fine for them to receive federal aid in their respective districts. The NY Times clearly illustrates the vote on H.R.152: Disaster Relief Appropriations Act, 2013 with an interactive map:
http://politics.nytimes.com/congress/votes/113/house/1/23
Finally, if one examines the debate over H.R.152: Disaster Relief Appropriations Act, 2013, one may note that Rep. (R-GA) Paul Broun thought that it would be prudent to offer an amendment to remove attached funding that was intended to expedite National Weather Service data analysis:
H.AMDT.8 (A006)
Amends: H.R.152 , H.AMDT.5
Sponsor: Rep Broun, Paul C. [GA-10] (offered 1/15/2013)
AMENDMENT PURPOSE:
An amendment numbered 4 printed in Part C of House Report 113-1 to strike $13,000,000 in funding to "accelerate the National Weather Service ground readiness project".
http://thomas.loc.gov/cgi-bin/bdquery/z?d113:HZ00008:
Amends: H.R.152 , H.AMDT.5
Sponsor: Rep Broun, Paul C. [GA-10] (offered 1/15/2013)
AMENDMENT PURPOSE:
An amendment numbered 4 printed in Part C of House Report 113-1 to strike $13,000,000 in funding to "accelerate the National Weather Service ground readiness project".
http://thomas.loc.gov/cgi-bin/bdquery/z?d113:HZ00008:
The debate on this amendment went as follows:
Mr. BROUN of Georgia. Madam Chairman, he just made my point. We all want good satellite weather forecasting. The satellites have already been funded and underway. This project is already underway. It's nonemergent spending. We should not have nonemergent spending in an emergent appropriations bill, particularly when we don't have any setoffs for this. There is no reason whatsoever, absolutely zero reason that this could not be considered in the normal appropriations process, as my good friend just stated.
My point has been that these types of projects should be considered under regular order. They should be considered the way that all funding, except for emergency funding, should be considered, and that's through the Appropriations Committee, the regular order, the way we're supposed to be doing things in this House. This is not one of those.
My amendment, if it is passed, is not going to shut down this new weather system. It's not going to ground the satellites. It's not going to ground the ground project. All it's going to do is just say we're not going to put this nonemergent spending in an emergency appropriations bill, and we will take it under regular order as we should. That's my big point. I appreciate my friend saying that we could take it under regular order, as we should be doing.
I reserve the balance of my time.
...
Mr. HOLT. Madam Chairman, this misguided amendment by the gentleman from Georgia would strike funding for the National Weather Service's ground readiness program.
Now, the ground readiness program means that weather satellite signals can be collected on the ground and those data can be used in operational models and forecasts. This satellite data is critical for forecasting hurricanes. In fact, the National Weather Service used data from these NOAA satellites to accurately predict the scope and the path of Hurricane Sandy.
Now, this amount is a relatively small dollar amount in the overall disaster relief bill, but this amendment is of outsized importance in its misguided intent. A recent study showed that without the polar satellite data from the weather models, the forecasters would have said Sandy would stay out at sea, would not have hit the mid-Atlantic coast. Imagine how much worse the storm damage would have been if the emergency management officials said it would never make landfall.
...
It's hard to overestimate how important accurate forecasts are. Let's accelerate the program, not slow it down. It's completely nonsensical to impair the ability of the National Weather Service to predict accurately. This is reminiscent of that ludicrous proposal a few years ago that we abolish the National Weather Service because there is a successful private cable weather channel.
I urge my colleagues to reject this misguided amendment.
...
Mr. BROUN of Georgia. Madam Chair, this is not going to delay data. It's not going to delay the implementation of this new satellite system. The current satellite that was just launched last fall has all the data-receiving capability that it can send out. So all this is doing is just saying let's wait until the regular appropriations process.
I urge passage of my amendment.
...
Mr. BLUMENAUER. I appreciate the gentleman's courtesy.
My friend from Georgia completely misses the point. Mr. Holt pointed out
...
that this being able to process this ground-based information is important to being able to fully utilize the information from the polar satellite. The last Congress behaved recklessly, candidly, in terms of jeopardizing the flow of this information. It was not treated appropriately in terms of the budget.
I think that this is an opportunity to accelerate in a small way something that is an emergency, tell the people who have been faced with a chain of natural disasters and storms where we have been able to refine our predictions. We can't stop the weather, but we can save lives, and this will get us back on track a little bit.
I cannot imagine a more misguided offset. If anything, we should be accelerating this work more. I strongly urge its rejection.
...
Mr. BROUN of Georgia. Madam Chair, I demand a recorded vote.
...
http://thomas.loc.gov/cgi-bin/query/R?r113:FLD001:H00137
Scroll down and use the link to Page:H138 to read this excerpt of the debate.
My point has been that these types of projects should be considered under regular order. They should be considered the way that all funding, except for emergency funding, should be considered, and that's through the Appropriations Committee, the regular order, the way we're supposed to be doing things in this House. This is not one of those.
My amendment, if it is passed, is not going to shut down this new weather system. It's not going to ground the satellites. It's not going to ground the ground project. All it's going to do is just say we're not going to put this nonemergent spending in an emergency appropriations bill, and we will take it under regular order as we should. That's my big point. I appreciate my friend saying that we could take it under regular order, as we should be doing.
I reserve the balance of my time.
...
Mr. HOLT. Madam Chairman, this misguided amendment by the gentleman from Georgia would strike funding for the National Weather Service's ground readiness program.
Now, the ground readiness program means that weather satellite signals can be collected on the ground and those data can be used in operational models and forecasts. This satellite data is critical for forecasting hurricanes. In fact, the National Weather Service used data from these NOAA satellites to accurately predict the scope and the path of Hurricane Sandy.
Now, this amount is a relatively small dollar amount in the overall disaster relief bill, but this amendment is of outsized importance in its misguided intent. A recent study showed that without the polar satellite data from the weather models, the forecasters would have said Sandy would stay out at sea, would not have hit the mid-Atlantic coast. Imagine how much worse the storm damage would have been if the emergency management officials said it would never make landfall.
...
It's hard to overestimate how important accurate forecasts are. Let's accelerate the program, not slow it down. It's completely nonsensical to impair the ability of the National Weather Service to predict accurately. This is reminiscent of that ludicrous proposal a few years ago that we abolish the National Weather Service because there is a successful private cable weather channel.
I urge my colleagues to reject this misguided amendment.
...
Mr. BROUN of Georgia. Madam Chair, this is not going to delay data. It's not going to delay the implementation of this new satellite system. The current satellite that was just launched last fall has all the data-receiving capability that it can send out. So all this is doing is just saying let's wait until the regular appropriations process.
I urge passage of my amendment.
...
Mr. BLUMENAUER. I appreciate the gentleman's courtesy.
My friend from Georgia completely misses the point. Mr. Holt pointed out
...
that this being able to process this ground-based information is important to being able to fully utilize the information from the polar satellite. The last Congress behaved recklessly, candidly, in terms of jeopardizing the flow of this information. It was not treated appropriately in terms of the budget.
I think that this is an opportunity to accelerate in a small way something that is an emergency, tell the people who have been faced with a chain of natural disasters and storms where we have been able to refine our predictions. We can't stop the weather, but we can save lives, and this will get us back on track a little bit.
I cannot imagine a more misguided offset. If anything, we should be accelerating this work more. I strongly urge its rejection.
...
Mr. BROUN of Georgia. Madam Chair, I demand a recorded vote.
...
http://thomas.loc.gov/cgi-bin/query/R?r113:FLD001:H00137
Scroll down and use the link to Page:H138 to read this excerpt of the debate.
Luckily, Rep. Broun's amendment was defeated:
H.AMDT.8 (A006)
Amends: H.R.152 , H.AMDT.5
Sponsor: Rep Broun, Paul C. [GA-10] (offered 1/15/2013)
...
1/15/2013 6:47pm:
On agreeing to the Broun (GA) amendment (A006) Failed by recorded vote: 206 - 214 (Roll no. 17).
http://thomas.loc.gov/cgi-bin/bdquery/z?d113:HZ00008:
One wonders if Rep. Broun thinks that Georgia is subject to the possibility of tornadoes and severe weather. Here is proof that it is:
Hypocritical and stupid.
Q.E.D.
5 replies
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