House Passes Federal Disaster Liaison Legislation
Creates New Federal Disaster Liaison Authority at the Department of Agriculture

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – November 18, 2003 – Washington, D.C. – Today, the House passed H.R. 3157, to direct the Secretary of Agriculture to designate employees at the Department of Agriculture as liaisons to state and local governments in the event of a federal disaster in order to better coordinate disaster relief efforts with the federal agencies.

“I am pleased that the House has passed this important disaster recovery legislation,” said Bordallo. “Guam is particularly sensitive to the occurrences of federal disasters, and lack of communication and coordination between federal and local agencies can delay critical assistance on the ground.”

H.R. 3157 passed the House on the Suspension Calendar Monday evening. It directs the Secretary of Agriculture to dispatch employees experienced in disaster relief and recovery to affected areas. Liaisons would then coordinate both Department of Agriculture and other interagency disaster recovery programs to ensure proper communication with state and local agencies as well as the efficient and effective dispersal of economic aid.

“As Delegate and long-term resident of Guam, I can attest to the confusion in the aftermath of a disaster,” said Bordallo. “I am pleased that the House has taken action to improve the on-the-ground coordination of disaster relief for agricultural issues and improve the communication between federal, state and local entities.”

H.R. 3157 now moves to the Senate Floor for consideration next year.

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Contact: Neil Weare in Washington, D.C., at (202) 225-1188 or Joaquin Perez in Guam at (671) 477-4272.