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[Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 124 (Friday, September 14, 2012)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1544]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]

          ONE YEAR ANNIVERSARY OF EPIC SUSQUEHANNA RIVER FLOOD

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. LOU BARLETTA

                            of pennsylvania

                    in the house of representatives

                       Friday, September 14, 2012

  Mr. BARLETTA. Mr. Speaker, I rise to remember the one-year 
anniversary of the devastation communities in my district faced when 
Hurricane Irene and Tropical Storm Lee brought an epic 500-year flood 
to the Susquehanna River.
  In September 2011, when the creeks and rivers first started rising, I 
immediately returned to Northeastern Pennsylvania to help my 
constituents. I witnessed firsthand the devastation and destruction 
caused by this historic flooding. Over the past year, I spent time 
surveying the damage to our communities, our homes, and our regional 
economy. I met with people who lost everything: their jobs as local 
businesses closed; their homes; and their prized possessions and 
treasured keepsakes, which were destroyed and gone forever. I met with 
small business owners who didn't know if they would be able to reopen 
their doors. I met with local officials who didn't know how their towns 
would afford to repair their streets and keep their police officers, 
firefighters, and emergency responders working extra hours.
  Despite all of this devastation, the citizens of Pennsylvania's 11th 
District rose above their own needs, though great, and thought of 
others. I saw neighbors open their homes and wallets to care for flood 
victims. I met volunteers who spent their evenings and weekends 
cleaning up senior citizens' basements. I witnessed our community's 
citizens coming together with hope and determination to repair the 
destruction from the flood. Even with the enormous strength of our 
combined efforts, I realized that our Federal Government must provide a 
better response to natural disasters.
  In Washington, I have been working to improve the assistance the 
Federal Government provides natural disaster victims. For the past 
year, I have aimed to lower the Small Business Administration (SBA) 
disaster loan interest rates for all Americans who have been the 
unfortunate victims of natural disasters. On September 23, 2011, I 
introduced H.R. 3042, the Disaster Loan Fairness Act of 2011. On August 
2, 2012, I revised my original legislation and introduced H.R. 6296, 
the Disaster Loan Fairness Act of 2012. This measure allows for SBA 
loans at a discounted market-based interest rate for homeowners and 
small business owners who were hit by flooding or other natural 
disasters and in which the president has declared a major disaster. 
Critically, the interest rate can never be greater than 4 percent, 
which will make a tremendous difference to those seeking to rebuild 
their homes and restart their lives. Most importantly, this bill will 
restore American lives, save American businesses, and protect American 
jobs.
   Mr. Speaker, over the past year, I have seen the very best of 
humanity in Northeastern Pennsylvania in these people who lost 
everything. I commend those citizens who have helped their family, 
friends, neighbors, and strangers in this time of need. Rest assured, I 
will never forget the devastation caused by the flooding after 
Hurricane Irene and Tropical Storm Lee, and I will continue to support 
improved federal natural disaster assistance.

                          ____________________
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