This Week in Washington- Thursday, April 22, 2010
This week I co-authored a letter to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) that raised concerns about the FEMA flood map modernization process. FEMA is currently updating the nation's Flood Insurance Rate Maps but this process is creating many challenges for many communities, homeowners, small businesses and levee districts in Missouri. I have heard from constituents that there is a lack of coordination between FEMA and USACE in answering questions about flood mapping, flood insurance and flood control infrastructure repairs. The new flood maps will have an on economic development, particularly in small and rural communities
I agree that our nation's flood maps need to be updated. But there are serious issues and challenges that have arisen throughout the flood map modernization effort and FEMA and the USACE are either unaware of these problems or unwilling to address them. We can and must do better.
Legislation:
Iran Sanctions Conference: Earlier today, the House voted to go to conference with the Senate on H.R. 2194, the Comprehensive Iran Sanctions, Accountability, and Divestment Act of 2009. I voted yes because Iran poses a significant threat to the U.S. and our allies in the Middle East and elsewhere, especially due to its continuing nuclear weapons program. This bill strengthens sanctions against Iran in order to prevent the sale of refined petroleum products to the Iranian regime-with a focus on oil flowing from Venezuela to Iran. Also, the Congressional Budget Office (CBO) estimates that H.R. 2194 would not affect direct spending or revenues. The measure passed easily.
Small Business Committee:
The Small Business Committee held a hearing on April 21st entitled, "Oversight of the Small Business Administration and its Programs." Click here to read about what was discussed at the hearing or click here to watch clips from the hearing.
The House will be in session next week. Have a good weekend.
Sincerely,
Sam Graves