At yesterday’s Natural Resources Subcommittee on National Parks, Forests and Public Lands Hearing examining the United States Forest Service and Bureau of Land Management’s spending priorities, U.S. Congressman Paul Gosar, DDS (AZ-01) advocated for a coordinated multiagency effort to develop, fund, and implement a comprehensive short and long-term flood mitigation strategy in Coconino County.
The Congressman spoke about last year’s Schultz Pass Fire and the flooding disaster that has ensued, the current status of the county, city, and community’s disaster response efforts, and the federal government’s responsibility to assist in these efforts. In his questioning, Congressman Gosar emphasized the urgency of the situation and encouraged the federal government to devote necessary resources required to implement flood mitigation measures prior to monsoon season. Specifically, he requested Chief Tidwell and the U.S Forest Service take the lead in the federal government’s response to the crisis since the affected land is in Coconino National Forest. To view video from the hearing, click here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-u5jBsdVfxo&feature=channel_video_title
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U.S. Congressman Paul Gosar, DDS (AZ-01) has introduced H.R. 922, The Burn Area Prevention Act of 2011, legislation oriented towards protecting individuals whose property is directly affected by disasters on federal lands. Specifically, the bill authorizes the Administrator of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to waive the 30-day waiting period for flood insurance when private property faces a flood threat caused by wildfire.
H.R. 922 would also establish a multi-agency “Schultz Fire Flooding Area Task Force” to address the devastating flooding that occurred on July 20, 2010 as a result of the Schultz Pass Fire in Coconino National Forest. The task force is charged to evaluate the disaster and recommend an integrated long-term flood protection system, within sixty days of enactment. Furthermore, the task force would be responsible for finding funding, technical assistance, and construction of flood relief projects.
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Today, U.S. Congressman Paul Gosar, DDS (AZ-01) voted in favor of H.R. 4, The Small Business Paperwork Mandate Elimination Act, which does away with the onerous 1099 provision in the health care bill. Gosar is a cosponsor of this bill which passed the House of Representatives on a vote of 314 – 112.
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During today’s House Natural Resources Committee hearing on “Department of Interior Spending and the President’s Fiscal Year 2012 Budget Proposal,” U.S. Congressman Paul Gosar, DDS (AZ-01) asked the Secretary of the Interior, Ken Salazar, for assistance with short-term flood mitigation in Flagstaff. In his questioning, Congressman Gosar emphasized the need for cross-agency coordination with the City of Flagstaff, Coconino County and members of the community to ensure appropriate actions are taken in advance of monsoon season. In response, Secretary Salazar acknowledged the gravity of the situation and committed to working with the Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack, the U.S. Forest Service, and other relevant agencies on possible solutions.
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Today, U.S. Congressman Paul Gosar, DDS (AZ-01) spoke on the House Floor sending his thoughts and prayers to Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords, those injured in the Tucson shooting and those who lost their lives. He will be attending the Memorial Service in Tucson later today.
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