Senate Proceeding on Jul 8th, 2009 :: 3:51:05 to 3:55:55
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3:51:05 to 3:51:25( Edit History Discussion )

Jack Reed: quorum call: officer the senator from new hampshire. ed ared are i ask that the calling of the quorum be disp the presiding officer: without objection. ed ared are thank you, madam president. madam president, i rise to oppose the amendment that is currently before us which would el operation projects throughout the country, including one in providence, rhode island.

3:51:05 to 3:55:55( Edit History Discussion )
Speech By: Jack Reed

3:51:26 to 3:51:47( Edit History Discussion )

Jack Reed: mr. reed: first, this issue combation on several critical factors. one is ultimately public safety. we have experienced over the last several years a terrorist threat that could imperil communities throughout this country. in

3:51:48 to 3:52:09( Edit History Discussion )

Jack Reed: july, several aircraft in instan bull were stopped and searched because there developed by the german government and the united states indicating that there might be a threat to commercial aircraft, just as we witnessed the bottom line is that these emergency operation centers are critical. there's another aspect, of course, too.

3:52:10 to 3:52:31( Edit History Discussion )

Jack Reed: that is, we're in a terrible situation economically in rhode island. we're just a tad behind michigan in terms of unemployment, 12.1% of the rhode islandwork force is out of work. four points states in the country. this funding will not only meet a critical need for public

3:52:32 to 3:52:53( Edit History Discussion )

Jack Reed: safety, but it will also help a little bit in terms of getting our economy moving forward. it will allow the city of providence and the providence emergency management agency to move improvements to its emergency operations center. this project will increase the space at the providence e.o.c. to ensure 24-hour presence and accommodate a second staff that

3:52:54 to 3:53:16( Edit History Discussion )

Jack Reed: will be required on-site should an emergency incident occur. in undertaking this work, at least 20 construction jobs will be produced. and in rhode island, that's a good project. in 2004, the city of providence designated a site to serve as theeadquarters for the prof

3:53:17 to 3:53:37( Edit History Discussion )

Jack Reed: dense e.m.o. it will serve the city during a disaster o. atafnlgt the first phase was completed this year but must expand its existing building in order to make shortfalls that were identified in a 2007 federal emergency management agency tactical assistance review.

3:53:38 to 3:53:59( Edit History Discussion )

Jack Reed: these shortfalls pointe pointed out by federal authorities including r. include inadequate space for administration and emergency operations and a lack of adequate force protection, physical security, and survivability plashes. according to the providence e.m.a., up to $3 million will be need to complete this work. again, this was the result of a study by the federal authorities

3:54:00 to 3:54:22( Edit History Discussion )

Jack Reed: as to the ade facility. while famil fema has committed resources, providence e.m.a. does not have the requirements. it plays a role in our state operations.

3:54:23 to 3:54:43( Edit History Discussion )

Jack Reed: the greater response system which serves eight communities representing 06of the state's population -- let me say that again, this o.e.c., although it is placed in providence, essentially coshed natcoordinates the emeency response for 60% of the people of rhode island. this is a critical facility not just for one community but for a

3:54:44 to 3:55:04( Edit History Discussion )

Jack Reed: significant number of rhode islanders. so this is not only necessary but extremely efficient and to the protection of a significant number of my constituents. while i understand the administration believes that funding should be allocated for

3:55:05 to 3:55:26( Edit History Discussion )

Jack Reed: a risk-management framework, i support the committee's decision to fund these p the facility is state. we know the improvement is need. the federal authorities have pointe it will not only protect the small portion of one city, it will effectively protect a large portion in terms of population of my state. and i ask that letters from the

3:55:27 to 3:55:49( Edit History Discussion )

Jack Reed: mayor of providence and the emergency management agency regarding the project be made part of the record. the presiding officer: without objection. mr. reed: thank you, madam president. and i would urge this amendment of i yield the floor. madam presi the absence of a quorum. the presiding officer: the

3:55:50 to 3:55:55( Edit History Discussion )

Jack Reed: clerk will call the roll.