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[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E181]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
HOMELAND SECURITY FOR CHILDREN ACT
______
speech of
HON. SHEILA JACKSON LEE
of texas
in the house of representatives
Monday, February 10, 2020
Ms. JACKSON LEE. Mr. Speaker, as a senior Member of Congress, I rise
in support of H.R. 2932, the ``Homeland Security for Children Act,''
which would direct the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to
identify and integrate the needs of children into activities to prepare
for, protect against, respond to, recover from, and mitigate against
the risk of natural disasters, acts of terrorism, and other man-made
disasters.
The ``Homeland Security for Children Act'' would make children's
needs a priority throughout the Department of Homeland Security (DHS),
by directing the DHS Undersecretary for Strategy, Policy, and Plans to
incorporate feedback from children's organizations into Department-wide
activities.
This legislation would require DHS to submit a report to Congress on
the Department's efforts to integrate the needs of children into the
policies, programs, and activities at DHS.
DHS will authorize a Children's Technical Expert position, ensuring
that the Agency will adequately incorporate the needs of children into
its emergency preparedness, response, recovery, and mitigation
activities.
Due to their general incapacity to protect and advocate for
themselves, children are more likely to succumb to the negative
outcomes associated with disasters and acts of terrorism.
FEMA has consistently missed the mark when it comes to acknowledging
and prioritizing the unique needs of children in its disaster-related
activities.
When disaster strikes, whether natural or manmade, the country has
historically struggled to adequately prepare for children's unique
needs.
For example, in Houston Hurricane Harvey made land fall in 2017 and
proceeded to affect 13 million people, cause $125 billion dollars in
damages, and take the lives of 94 individuals.
Nearly 3 million children in Harris County alone were impacted by
Hurricane Harvey.
Six months after the storm approximately 4,000 childcare programs,
afterschool programs, and schools closed for weeks in the Greater
Houston area.
Hurricane Harvey resulted in an increase to the number of
economically disadvantaged children, cases of mental health issues and
student homelessness.
The shortage of childcare throughout the impacted regions prevented
many families from returning to their `normal' lives.
Traumatic experiences, such as a natural disaster, can negatively
impact a child's mental health, cause an increase in irritability,
aggression, anger, and physical ailments, such as headaches and stomach
aches.
It is vital that FEMA makes it a priority to integrate the needs of
children into their activities to prepare for, protect against and
mitigate against the risk of natural disasters, acts of terrorism, and
other man-made disasters.
I ask all Members to join me in voting to pass H.R. 2932, the
``Homeland Security for Children Act.''
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