Speech #960319499

This bill. as originally reported by the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee contained a slight modification of existing law by adding the words. "or other physical or natural catastrophe." At first glance. this does not appear to represent a major change in the existing law. Upon closer scrutiny. it becomes obvious that interpretations exist as to the exact definition of "physical and natural". and what these interpretations might mean for eligible disasters to be funded under the Disaster Relief Act. I believe the committees good intent was to make it perfectly clear to the administration that social and economic disasters such as the Cuban refugees influx and the Miami riots are not to be considered eligible disasters under the authority of the Disaster Relief Act. I fully agree. However. by addition of the 417. 879. 966 405. 774. 462 307. 481. 048 715. 134. 483 604. 761. 820 2.451. 031. 779 word "physical". to preclude these situations. the Disaster Relief Act is left open for a wide variety of interpretations as to the meaning of a physical disaster.