[inaudible] i know youre familiar [inaudibl [inaudible]. Testing. Can you hear us . We can. From the top well pick up where i left off . If you could start from the top, please. Welcome, everybody. Today is our first hybrid hearing in the subcommittee under the new house rules. Some members will appear in person and others appear remotely via web x. Youre familiar with web x, but remind everyone after few points. Since some members are appearing in person, let me first remind everyone pursuant to the latest physician, all persons must wear a Face Covering except when recognized. Members not wearing a Face Covering will not be recognized. Let me make a few reminders of hybrid hearings, for those appearing in person youll see those appearing remotely on the two monitors in front of you. On one monitor appearing remotely in what is known as the web x as grid view mode. On the other monitor, you will see each person speaking during the person when theyre speaking, including members who are appearing remotely. For those members appearing remotely, you can see each person speaking during the hearing whether in person or remote as long as you have your web x set to active speaker mode. If you have any questions about this please Contact Committee staff immediately. Let me also remind everyone of the house procedures that apply to hybrid meetings. For members appearing in person, a timer is visible in the room directly in front of you. For members appearing remotely, a few reminders, the house rules require that we see you, so please have your camera turned on at all times. Members who are not recognized should remain muted to minimize background noise and feedback. I will recognize members verbally and members retain the right to seek recognition verbally. In regular order, members will be recognized in seniority order for questions. If you want to be recognized outside of regular order, you may identify that in several ways. You may use the chat function to send a request. You may send an email to the majority staff, or you may unmute your mic to seek recognition. Obviously, we do not want people talking over each other, my preference is that members use the chat function or email to seek formal verbal recognition. Committee staff will make sure that i am made aware of the request, and i will recognize you. For those remote theres a timer in the active speaker with thumbnail mode and you have the timer pinned. If you need help with this, Committee Staff can assist you. We will begin the hearing in just a moment when they tell me they are ready to begin the live stream. The committee will come to order. Id like to point out that we are glad to have representati representatives joining us in the questioning as we pursue this hearing. I now recognize myself for five minutes Opening Statement. Im convening todays subcommittee hearing to example preparations by fema for responding to and helping our nation recover from Natural Disasters, which this year will overlap with the nations ongoing efforts to combat the coronavirus pandemic. Fema is the lead federal Agency Responsible for coordinating preparation prevention, mitigation response and Recovery Efforts for all domestic disasters, including the ongoing coronavirus pandemic. In recent years, fema has struggled to anticipate the severity of multiple disasters, Climate Change, advance supplies and retain and deploy key personnel. As United States continues to respond to the coronavirus pandemic and a recent surge in cases across the country, its clear that this unprecedented moment has left all of us, including fema in uncharted territory. People often called the year 2020 apocalyptic. Although some say its a exaggeration or said in jest, it sometimes feels that were not too far off from the truth. More than 140,000 americans lost their lives due to the current administrations lack of leadership, distrust of science and continued hesitation to meet the seriousness of the challenges associated with the coronavirus pandemic. And because of this complete lack of leadership and inept response by the administration, tens of thousands more will die. All of this is a horrifying loss of life, it wasnt tragic enough, we know that Climate Change is increasing the frequency and intensity of extreme weather events. Setting that stage to lose more american lives because of Natural Disasters in coming months. Therefore, it is absolutely imperative that congress and the American Public understand the steps that fema is taking to prepare for and respond to Natural Disasters, including hurricanes, wildfires, flooding, and extreme heat on top of nationwide efforts to slow and stop the spread of the coronavirus. The 2020 Hurricane Season began on june 1st. In the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration forecasters expect 13 to 19 named storms, including 6 to 10 hurricanes in 3 to 6 major hurricanes. Residents in states known to be hit hardest by hurricanes like florida and North Carolina are facing some of the highest rates of confirmed cases of covid19. In this years predicted higher than average Hurricane Season, increases the chances of large evacuations of people to northern states like new york and new jersey, areas previously hit hard by the virus, which would cause potential for an increase in the spread in those states. For those who are forced to stay and seek Emergency Shelter since they do not have the means to evacuate, overcrowded shelters from school gyms to Convention Centers risk becoming infection hot spots. The current serious lag in covid test, if not fixed, could very well lead to asymptomatic people who have coronavirus staying in the shelters, and many of the same people who have less access to health care, Less Health Insurance are likely to have unknown or uncontrolled comorbidities, may be at higher risk of death or complications from covid19. These are prime examples of how Climate Change acts as a threat multiplier during Public Health crises. Over the last five years, the u. S. Has seen more federally declared disasters for wildfires than in many previous prior years. In 2017 and 2018, california experienced the deadliest and most destructive wildfires of its history. And this years weather patterns are lighting up to an above. A fire activity. Wildfires are particularly high in my home state of california and in recent weeks, these areas have also seen staggering covid19 case numbers to continue to rise. This is of significant concern because both smoke and covid19 negatively impact our respiratory and cardiovascular systems. In fact, we know that wildfires exasperate respiratory and lung conditions, especially for children, older adults and those with underlying conditions such as asthma, chronic Heart Disease and diabetes. Many of the comorbidities known to increase negative Health Outcomes and mortality rates among those infected with the coronavirus. And cloth masks can help prevent the spread of coronavirus, these kind of Face Coverings do not offer protection from smoke. Only properly fitting n95 masks filter out dangerous particles, and weve seen those remain in short supply in many places, including wildfire prone regions. And then theres the extreme heat. No other year in recorded history has been as hot as the years between 2014 and 2019, and 2020 has a high likelihood of being the hottest year on record. And this is likely to pose additional challenges to covid19 mitigation efforts. When it gets incredibly hot, low wealth households who do not have access to air conditioning or who cannot afford to turn it on may flock to cool and crowded indoor areas which could result in an increase in coronavirus cases. As we sit here today, every state in the United States is currently facing a budget shortfall. As a result, many states, territories and local governments may be more dependent on fema for supplies and personnel than in recent years. In the middle of the respiratory pandemic, we need to know what steps are being taken to safeguard the lives of both fema personnel and disaster survivors. We need answers as to whether or not critical medical supplies will be accessible for communities in need. We need to understand how plans are being adapted to account for simultaneous disasters. We need to be ready, able and willing to address increasingly likely worse Case Scenarios and we need to help fema so they will be fully prepared to meet their mission. As the saying goes, by failing to prepare, you are preparing to fail. In this moment, our nations challenges are unprecedented and extraordinary. And our plans and actions must rise to meet the seriousness and grave reality we face now and in the coming months and years. Let me put it bluntly, the topics we are discussing today are literally matters of life and death. I appreciate fema administrator gaynors participation in this hearing and i hope that todays discussion will help inform and support the critically important work fema is tasked with because the stakes truly could not be higher. Thank you and i invite rangering member of the committee and acting Ranking Member of the subcommittee, mr. Cogomer to give a five minue Opening Statement. Thank you, for the second time im not going to fact check the slanderous oped opinions that were made about the Trump Administration in the beginning of your Opening Statement because this is an important hearing. Im very glad to participate in person for this hearing. The business of this committee cannot be done virtually and i hope well continue working for the American People here in d. C. As we promised to do. I want to thank administrator gaynor for testifying today. I know youre an extremely busy man, but im interested to learn about the good work fema has been doing in response to covid19. The covid19 pandemic has affected more than 3. 8 million americans and has tragically killed more than 140,000. Through President Trumps leadership fema responded swiftly do this virus. In march the president declared 501 b of stafford act. After this Emergency Declaration all states and territories declared major disaster declaration. All 50 states, five u. S. Territories and district of columbia has been approved for major disaster declarations. According to fema, it provides a wide range of Assistance Program for public infrastructure, including funds for both emergency and permanent work. As head of the White House Coronavirus task force, vicepresident pence designated fema as a lead agency for federal response to the pandemic on march 19th. Fema transitioned into this new role seamlessly and prioritized to protect the health and safety of all americans by utilizing a whole of government and whole of america approach. After this announcement fema activated the National ResponseCoordination Center and rcc to its highest level. The nrcc became the focal point of federal interagency coordination efforts. Fema has done a tremendous job in response to the coronavirus pandemic. I want to highlight those to support that. Fema, hhs coordinate the delivery of or currently shipping n95s respirators. Surgical masks 33 million face shields. 341 million surgical gowns, coveralls and over 20 billion, 20 billion gloves. As of july 21st, fema delivered 29,891 medical supplies to nursing homes, in 52 states and territories. With regards to testing, as of july 20th, c. D. C. , state, local, Public Health labs and other laboratories tested more than 48. 6 million samples. While these numbers are impressive, i look forward to hearing more about plans for the United States to produce more life saving equipment for frontline workers. This equipment has traditionally been manufactured in other countries which fema has described as a National Security issue. Federal funding has also played a large part in response to this crisis. As of july, fema and hhs combined have committed 135. 9 billion in support of covid19 efforts. In terms of staffing as of july 22nd fema has 2,245 employees supporting covid19 Pandemic Response out of a total 20,831 Agency Employees ready to respond to any other potential emergencies. These are truly staggering numbers and i applaud the work that fema has done as the lead agency in charge of the federal governments response to covid19. Fema is currently responding to 114 active disasters and 97 Emergency Declarations concurrently. I look forward to hearing more specific details how fema will continue to prepare for the Natural Disaster season continuing its work battling covid19. Thank you, mr. Chairman, i look forward to the testimony. Thank you, Ranking Member comerme comerment comer. Id like to introduce our witness, peter t. Gaynor of the federal Emergency Management agency. The witness will be unmuted so we can swear him in. Please, raise your right hand. Do you swear or affirm that the testimony youre about to give is the truth, the whole truth, nothing, but the truth so help you god . Please sit down. Let the record reflect that the witness answered in the affirmative. With that your statement will be made a part of the record w that, mr. Gaynor, youre recognized for your testimony. Thank you, my name is pete gaynor, im the fema administrator. Thank you for discussing the actions that fema took to help the people during the covid19 pandemic and Disaster Preparedness within a covid19 environment. On behalf of the men and women are fema i would like to begin by offering my condolences to the loved ones of the 144,305 americans who have lost their lives to covid19. One life lost is one life too many and our hearts go out to those affected by the pandemic. This has been a trying time for our country and fema has been working around the clock to help our nation respond to this Global Pandemic and recover from other Natural Disasters. As the fema administrator its been my honor to work alongside dedicated members of fema. I want to recognize the partners commitment in the nations response. The covid19 and other Natural Disasters will continue to be locally executed. State mandated and federally supported. The president made an unprecedented decision to declare an emergency on march 13th, and since then the team has worked tirelessly for the impact. Many have risked their lives to do so. For the first time in history we have a disaster in every state, district and to date responded to 114 active disasters and from the island of sypan, to the hardland. The magnitude has required fema to both reexamine our past practices and reduce risk to our staff, as much as possible, while accomplishing our mission. During more Common National disasters, they have events that are limited in Geographic Scope and impact and responding to covid19 and other Natural Disasters in 2020, fema met the more difficult task of managing finite medical equipment rather than managing resources were managing shortages. Weve worked tirelessly across the globe to rapidly move them to america with the goal of providing temporary relief until supply chains could begin to stabilize. In addition to expediting supplies into the United States, the federal response focused on stabilizing in impactful ways. Since march, we have 1. 4 billion under the stafford act for states for covid19 related activities with the first 1 billion obligated in just 11 days. Over 1 is billion obligated to california and new york alone. 1. 7 billion dollars had as abouten allocated for title 32 National Guard troops and dod, title 10, medical professionals who provided critical medical support to numerous hospitals under stress. While we continue to respond to covid19, we want to ensure that were using all available resources to address these critical shortfalls. To do so, the federal government has utilized the defense production act to increase the amount of medical equipment manufactured domestically to make sure our future preparedness is not overreliant on foreign producers. This increase of domestic manufacturing will also allow fema to pivot towarhurricane preparation. It will be challenges evaluating people in covid19 environment will have the widespread availability of noncongregate and social distancing is possible. Key pharmaceuticals in the path of the hurricane will remain in use. As part of this pivot to prepare for other disasters, fema released a planning guide for the 2020 Hurricane Season to help local officials best prepare tofor common disasters. And it has the planning document. While this document focuses on Hurricane Season preparedness, the planning considerations can also be applied to any disaster operation in the covid19 environment to include no notice incidents and wildfire responses. To further increase femas readiness to support partners during overlapping disasters, our agency continues to expand its work force. Since the beginning of this fiscal year, fema has successfully on boarded more than 2200 disaster personnel, an increase over 22 over fy19. Many of the new personal have been on boarded during our covid19 response while adhering to pandemic safety protocols. Additionally last year, fema introduced a requirement for states and territory to develop a distribution management plans under the grant program. As a result all 56 states and territories have individualized plans to focus on commodity contribution, transportation best practices, as a result fema personnel will be able to pet better contract and distribute goods and services to survivors. In the future of a pandemic, fema remains committed to helping our partners recover from past events. For example, fema and its federal partners provided historic levels of support for the commonwealth of puerto rico during ongoing recovery from americas irma and maria. Since mid 2019, fema has gone from funding between 10 and 15 permanent work per month to average of 550 projects per month. Fema has obligated more funding for emergency work in puerto rico than in texas from Hurricane Harvey and florida from Hurricane Irma combined. Our streamlined services have accelerated the awards process and to date the federal government has given 25 billion for puerto rico. Regardless that fema will continue to confront, the bed rock is to protect the American People before, during and after disasters and the framework which we accomplish this is unchanged. Responses are most effective when locally executed, state managed. Well do so in accordance with our core values, compassion, integrity, the unprecedented response to the covid pandemic, as we Work Together to protect the lives of the American People. Id like to thank the committee for the opportunity to testify today and look forward to any questions you may have. New. Thank you, administrator. Without objection, the gentle woman from the state of new york and the gentle woman from the u. S. Virgin islands will be permitted to join the subcommittee on the dias for questioning the witness. With that, ill id like to recognize the vice chair of the subcommittee congresswoman tlaib for five minutes of question via web x. Thank you so much for the administrator for joining us during this very difficult time for so Many Americans across the country. I do want to just be really direct with you, administrator. You know, i have this line of question to talk about National Disasters, but i feel this just compelled to tell you as i hear my colleagues talk about the approach and the fact that, you know, weve done all of this work to try to combat the pandemic, one of the statistics in my state is very alarming and i want to talk about this specifically since we are talking about vulnerable communities. You know, more of my black neighbors died of covid than any other community. 40 of those that died from covid in michigan were africanamerican. And even though they may make less than 15 of the population in the whole state of michigan. Im curious to what have you all done . How intentional are you in making sure that youre covering communities that are predominantly black and brown in regards to how you approach this pandemic . Yes, maam. Thank you for the question. So as an emergency manager ive been doing this for almost 13 years at the local, state and now travel level. And what ive learned that, when theres preexisting challenges in a community before a disaster, and whether its poverty, or homelessness, unemployment, medical care, the disaster that comes next and it could be any disaster, just makes all of those conditions much worse. And we knew that early on in covid19 and thats why i think we took an aggressive approach with our authorities. So some. Things weve done across the country include, and one of the first things, this is one of the things that we had not done in a disaster before is we issued a i have an office of equal rights, we issued a civil rights bulletin early on that made sure that individuals, communities and advocacy groups had ample i understand. Had ample to receive information. And we had food programs that states are using, housing programs, and Testing Programs across the country. So i understand. Administrator, one of the things, im so glad youre talking about the conditions that existed prior to the pandemic and the fact that we have these broken systems that are structurally racist and do not include every Single Person that lives in the United States. I do want to ask you, you know, i heard in a different committee, i cant remember when it was, but we heard one of the folks come in and say that during katrina they were very aggressive and this is during the obama administration, just very aggressive about giving people direct debit cards to give Food Assistance to be able to get, you know, diapers and formula was a huge barrier during that time. Even though we want to claim that we want civil rights for everyone, that were going to have this policy with these task force to study us, i dont think its actually resulting in taking care of our most vulnerable that have already been as you just recognized, already not having access to health care, environmental racism with pollution and preexisting conditions, all of those things homelessness or a lack of housing, all of that is to say we need to be and this is a pandemic. Fema should be doing a lot more direct contact with these communities beyond just statements that you dont want them to get hurt more than anyone else. The fact of the matter is you are and you have acknowledged that theres all of these other conditions and really, theyre systems, theyre systems that have been broken for a long time and no one has paid attention to them and i think thats why we see this uprising across our country. But administrator, i want to urge you, as someone that represents not only part of city of detroit, but even 11 communities throughout wayne county, i hearing all the time if its not just alone on the flooding, i know you all have been working closely with me and part of my community, but its also during this pandemic acknowledging that you all had access to resources to waive cost sharing for grants and you didnt do it pt retroactively. So communities like inkster are having to cut City Services to keep our residents safe, or to push against 100 reimbursement. When we do that and help local governments touching directly to communities of color, we are short changing them. Theyre already in survivor mode, administrator, and you know this. We have to be doing more and we have to be beyond just, you know, statements and civil rights and so forth and i appreciate that, but this is time in years we cant get back. People are dying and theyre getting sick and they dont have access to do you acknowledge because of the systems that have been set up against them so i just really appreciate this chairman and administrator, i hope you hear me, its very genuine, please help black and brown communities, theyre dying at a higher right, and we need to do more in this countries. And i yield. If i can followup, i used to live in detroit and i understand some of the challenges locally that they have. So cost share, we are looking actively. Its under active examination, again, unprecedented response to covid19, never before in the history of the country, the history of fema have we had every single state, territory, and tribe were a major disaster, so were looking at cost share, as for the safer grants reference, we actually waived and ill be happy to get you this bulletin. The secretary of Homeland Security waived fiscal year 19 and 20 blanket waivers for those grants. So we waived cost share, we waived salary cap, we waived supplanting for all of those grants to make sure that we could retain and rehire firefighters. So, if your staff reaches out to me or my staff wed be happy to help you understand what we did for safer grants. Thank you, maam. Thank you. Thank you, the chair now recognizes Ranking Member comer for five minutes of questioning. Thank you. Administrator, can you briefly describe the early actions taken by fema at the onset of the covid outbreak . Yes, sir. Again, unprecedented time for the country and for fema on march 13th, the president declared a nationwide disaster, which again gave everyone a major disaster. Actually prior to that, more than a month, fema had been in support of health and Human Services in their fight against covid. As we transitioned, as we learned more, as the disease progressed and became larger, the president directed to lead federal coordinating operations. That was on march 18th. On that very night, i moved all hhs, c. D. C. And other members to our to our National ResponseCoordination Center. I also did that out in the 10 regions that i have across the country. As far west as American Samoa and as far east as the Virgin Islands to make sure that we had a coordinated response to covid19. Has fema evolved its response from the middle of march to today . Yes, sir. So were in a you know, this is a dynamic situation, the disease has changed over time. If you remember back to march and april, you know, epicenter was new york, new jersey, connecticut, some new england states, detroit, chicago, louisia louisiana, los angeles and so all that happened and then now its and again, when you look at how we dealt with covid19, we actually did it by counties and thats how we focused efforts not generally by state, but by counties and now look at the sun belt outbreak, its a different outbreak seated in many counties and weve adapted as we move through it and well continue to adapt as we understand it more. So where the initial outbreak and ill just use new york as an example, we needed Surge Capacity, we needed ppe. We needed pharmaceuticals, today, its really and ive talked to them in the outbreak states and Emergency Management. Staffing and hospitals to give relief to those critical front line workers that we depend on. Can you detail the most important strategies discussed in femas 2020 Hurricane Season operation guidance . Yes, sir. You know, one of the things we knew early on, you know, in march that earthquake had that Hurricane Season was coming. And Lessons Learned, partnered with c. D. C. And other medical professionals, best practices. Looked at planning and detail, and in mid may, may 20th, we issued the 2020 operational guidance for covid19 and Hurricane Season and what we have been encouraging since then, that states, tribes, territories, local governments look at their existing plans and apply the Lessons Learned of covid19. Ill just give a couple of examples. Its a complicated its a complicated response on a good day for a hurricane, noncovid19 and it will be further complicated by covid19 when you think about evacuations, sheltering and needing more space needing more time. Were asking everyone to lead in. I came back from a seven day, six day tour of the gulf coast, louisiana, mississippi, alabama and checking how those states were doing and pretty impressive how much work has been done at the local state and tribe levels. So i have confidence that Emergency Managers across the country, whether its hurricanes or wildfires, flooding, tornados, are embracing those best practices. So these Planning Operations can be applied to any disaster operation during the covid19 pandemic . Yes, sir and we did a couple of different things, we like to think of ourselves as flexible so we built a pandemic guide for Hurricane Season, but we also took a deeper dive with additional guide a couple of weeks later entitled mass care Emergency Planning pandemic integration. Things that will be most problematic in a disaster. Youre thinking of wildfire evacuations and disasters. How do you move those people and shelter those people and how do you keep them safe . Youre moving them out of the threat of a wildfire, but dont want to put them into a bigger threat of a congregate shelter operation. So all of those frame works we provides to state and locals for their plan. Keep up the good work. Mr. Chairman, i yield back. Thank you, Ranking Member comer. Now my privilege to recognize the chair of the full committee, the honorable Carolyn Maloney for five minutes of questioning. Thank you and i want to thank so much the chairman and Ranking Member for calling this and a special welcome to my colleague from the great city of new york velazquez. I joined her to puerto rico to review on the island and all youve done in new york. Shortly after the first time you testified before this committee, by that at our request, you had declared new york a disaster zone, thank you. Shortly after that the president declared the entire country a disaster zone. But one of the areas where we continue to have challenges is the shortfalls in ppe during the disaster. We couldnt get ppe in new york and our medical professionals were going to work in garbage bags. At one time, one hospital had 250 people out sick because i would say they didnt have the right protective equipment and i certainly dont ever want to see that happen again. In response, new york started manufacturing our own ppe because we could not get it. And our supply chain, our Foreign Developers wouldnt send it to us or they didnt have it. And we had four manufacturing plants we set up. Theyre now in the process of disbanding them. I personally believe that we should never be dependent on other countries for our ppe. We should manufacture a certain portion of that here in our country. And i have put in a bill that would require 35 of our Strategic National stockpile be manufactured in america and that we give tax breaks and incentives to our manufacturers so that we can prepare a certain percentage of ppe in our own country so people will not die or become sick because they could not have access to it. Id like to send a copy of this proposal to you and your team to look at and to get back with us with suggestions whether or not it should be strengthened or how it should be changed or other ideas that you have. Id also like to call upon Ranking Member comer to look at it and i also serve on the subcommittee, that a leader that is looking at this issue and other things with jim cliburn. Telling that democrats and republicans have called for manufacturing ppe here in our own country. I think it could be a goal that we should all support, but i do want to get back to the supply chain with a few questions. One of your internal documents from femas supply chain stablization task force released in june showed that the task force was projecting critical shortages of more than 30 million n95 respirators and 100 million gowns in july. These projections were developed before the recent surge that were now seeing in coronavirus cases in our country. So the situation is likely much worse and i think it points to the need that we should have some production here at home. So, administrator gaynor, yes or no, does the administration now have updated projections of supply and demand for masks, gowns, gloves and other supplies for the rest of the year . Maam, i think if i could just give a more detailed answer because certainly. Theres been some context of all of these numbers. Go right ahead. So, and i thank you for what well be happy to look at that proposal and the assistance and i think youre right on about how critical ppe is to National Security and making it here is important, so, i applaud you for taking that initiative. And its life saving, absolutely life saving. Absolutely. And to think that our essential workers were going to the front line of this war against the virus, not with the equipment they needed to protect themselves, its route ray gus its outrageous, we should assure every worker, janitors, administrators, nurses, technicians have the protective equipment they need. Yes, maam. And i agree, its about life saving and minimizing suffering and i think were in a much better place today than we were back in march and april and for context, now, the majority of ppe, whether its masks, gloves, gowns, not made in the u. S. , theres more made in the u. S. Now than there was a couple of months and and n95 masks, were making those today. Companies like 3m, honeywell, o and m, hal yard have increased their production or started new production, like honeywell. So, we get healthier every day. N95 masks is like the premium standard that Everyone Wants and we realize that. So as we move through increased production, you know, we will close that gap. Again, just for what we how we see supply and demand, we recently polled, talked onetoone to all the states and Emergency Management directors how much ppe they have on hand. For the most part every state has 60, 90, 120 day stock pile which is a great statistic. Hospitals have done the same. Have went out, bought ppe and stock piled it and again, weve tracked this day by day. I have p one who works on the supply task force, the sole job to make sure we fill the requests for states when we see the shortage. One of the things weve done from day one. Unfortunately, my time has expired. The chair, if i could submit questions to him in writing and we could continue this conversation Going Forward and i yield back. Thank you, madam chair. The chair now recognizes the gentle lady from new york, representative valasquez. Thank you, mr. Chairman and Ranking Member. I really appreciate the opportunity to be here today, to ask the administrators, the administrator some questions regarding puerto rico. As a puerto rican woman who has most of my family in puerto rico, hurricane maria, earthquake, and now the pandemic, puerto rico has a surge on infections. That is one of the highest, if not the highest in the mainland. So today ap has a story and it says thousands in puerto rico still without housing since maria. It is great to hear you as to how much money has been obligated, but my question is, why is it that thousands of families in puerto rico still do not have a home . Especially during this Hurricane Season. Yes, maam. So we have first of all, our commitment, femas commitment to puerto rico i think is demonstrated by the amount of employees that we have on the ground today, more than 2000 employees. I recognize that, sir, i appreciate the great work and staff of fema, i will say ive been there three or four times, i am not questioning that. I am questioning the fact that since maria still there are thousands of families who might be confronting another hurricane and they dont have anyplace to go. Yes, maam, so, this has been a partnership from the beginning and i think the partnership with puerto rico, the governor and her staff has never been stronger and theres no easy simple answer. It is a partnership between fema, who does temporary work to keep people in their homes and its a partnership with hud to do permanent work on houses so and it is, excuse me, reclaiming my time. And it is a reality that there has that hud has imposed certain requirements that have not been asked from any other locality in the nation. And so it is very difficult task for them to be able to repair, to make their repairs on those homes. So, lets talk about where the navy was operating the u. S. Navy for so many years until finally they left, and left behind an environmental degradati degradation. There was a commitment to clean it up and no one can question the fact that we have the highest rate of cancer compared to any other municipality in puerto rico. So there might be a correlation between the fact that bombs were exploded there, and the health of the people. So seven weeks seven months ago money was appropriat appropriated, approved for a hospital that was promised to the people. And this happened after the speaker called a meeting between fema, myself, and alexandria ocasiocortez and cac, a young lady 16 years of age lost her life because they dont have a hospital and here we are seven months later. Transportation between the people to the main island to get Health Care Services is impossible because its so poor, the infrastructure and the vessels are not reliable, so given the fact that what we have is low income People Living there, that i caught up with the main island with the covid pandemic. What are we saying to the children and elderly seven months after the money was approved . Yes, maam. So early on fema built a temporary hospital. We actually i know, ive been there. Millions to builded hospital and the permanent hospital 39. 5 million to fund a new hospital. That process is underway and were committed to make sure that theres health care for those living there that need it. Sir, sir, fema has been telling me so long. Seven months ago the money is approved. Why is that difficult to break ground, that we send a message to the people that their lives matter. Yes, maam. So, again, it doesnt happen overnight, so the design, theres environmental issues, and again, we do this in partnership with the government, the municipality. This is not just fema building a hospital, this is the actually the local government building the hospital. What are you doing to provide capacity and Technical Assistance so that they could get their act together . We are through the governor of puerto rico, core 3 our partner and many governors many mayors across puerto rico to include the mayor of viegas. I know, i spoke to the mayor last friday. It is a partnership and to build a 40 million hospital does not happen overnight, but we are commit today make sure that we have Adequate Health care on viegas we are the most powerful country in the world, in the world, and were never there have been Natural Disaster in all the countries, we move federal assets to make it happen. Make it happen for the people of viegas. Because they serve a purpose in terms of our National Security by having the Navy Operations there. They deserve the fire, the power and fire of the United States, the will, if there is a will, we can do it. Thank you, mr. Chairman. Thank you. And support the comments from gentle lady about the people of puerto rico needing help. And recognize myself for five minutes of questioning. There have been comments of challenges as we enner into the Hurricane Season and wildfire system. I want to start off with a simple question. Does fema got this, do you have americas back as we go into the challenges in the next few months . Well, sir, i hope weve demonstrated over many years that fema is it an organization committed to the safety of america and the response to those most in need after a disaster. And for context, since weve been responding to covid19, early on, we responded to a hurricane or an earthquake in puerto rico, we responded to flooding in michigan, we responded to tornados in southern states. Were ready every day. Theres no doubt that covid19 makes this more complicated. But youre confident youve got this . Sure. Thank you. This is not just fema responding, this is whole of government response. I understand. So i have many partners but you guys are the tip of the spear and im encouraged to hear you say that because thats what america wants to hear. They want to hear that fema is ready to take on these challenges. Let me ask you a few other questions here, i want to focus on the wildfire season because it is of particular interest to my home state of california and of course, other western states such as oregon and washington, who could be facing frequent severe and life threatening wildfires. How many wildfires is fema currently prepared to respond to . Well, yes, sir, we issue, im sure youre familiar with Fire Management assistant grants. Weve issued a host of those, dont know the number off of the top of my head, and the grants get Early Intervention when fire outbreaks so it doesnt turn into a major disaster. We have typically in a year, hundreds intervening early on. Right. Without of control even with that being said there has to be some sense that you are prepared for more major wildfires during the season. Do you have an estimate as to what those anticipated numbers might be . I cant give you what the forecast of wildfires are. Im not sure that one exists, but were an all Hazards Agency were prepared for wildfires, tornados, you na i am you name it, operations, covid19. I have a tremendous work force that works for me and i have many great partners. I know youve got great partners and a fabulous work force at fema, i know that everyone is fully committed and for that america is grateful. One of the things id like to ask you about, evacuation orders, im kind of focused on wildfires because its of particular interest to my home state. Unlike other major disasters along the lines of hurricanes where we have the ability to plan for evacuations, we dont necessarily have that advanced warnings when it comes to wildfires. So, in an effort to prevent the spread of covid19, what type of screening does fema anticipate having in place for evacuees due to wildfires to make sure that theyre not going into shelters with potentially being asymptomatic or infected . Yes, sir, again, just some context. The way a response works the best is when its locally executed, state managed and federally supported so all of these elements working together. I was a local emergency manager for seven years and manager for four years and now all of those have to, would together in its levels. So dont im going to use my time as a local emergency manager. Obviously, as a local emergency manager, im responsible for all the has hazards at the response level. I just want to talk about testing now. If you have infected individuals going to shelters and its femas position thats a responsibility of state or the local municipality yet we dont have sufficient testening place, how is fema going to address the spread of covid19 in shelters if theres not adequate Testing Available . Again, sir, local and states have plans to have screening, testing, or not use non or congregate shelter. So the responsibility in femas mind and administrations mind that it does sit with the state and local cal municipality to have appropriate testing to assure that this is all an america response. I understand. If theres a shortfall in a local government or the state, a tribe or territory, fema will address that. So we provide frame work and guidance. I have 10 regions that coordinate plans for those states in each region. We have the federal interagency operation plan that lays out let me ask you one more question, limited time. 2019 President Trump cut femas budget which often supports states tasked with fighting wildfires. Does fema have the Financial Resources to support states like california in their efforts to meet the response in recovery channels associated with the anticipated wildfires of the upcoming year . Yes, sir, a great question. I want to thank congress for passing supplements allowing fema to double capacity for resource funding. Typically i use Hurricane Season, Hurricane Season year with about 45 billion and the Disaster Relief fund. Due to the efforts by the administration and congress, Congress Passed another 45, nearly 45 billion in assistance for covid19 response, so today, i spend about 8. 5 billion dollars, just fema alone and i have about 70 billion in the drf. Probably twice as much as i would have in any other season. I do appreciate you taking the time to come in. Your job i dont think anyone in america in these the challenges that are facing you and we are appreciative of you and your entire teams efforts to try to keep america safe during this time. At this time the chair will recognize ms. Plaskett on the United States virgin others for five minutes and i will about ms. Speier to come up and take over the chair. Thank you. Thank you very much to my colleague, mr. Rouda. This is been excellent hearing thus far. Mr. Gaynor, thank you for coming before congress and for giving us an update i know you all have so much work to do, tremendous task ahead for all of us. Thank you. Appreciate the covid19 pandemic, operational guidance for 2020 Hurricane Season that fema has prepared but i wanted to know, i would appreciate for the details on your plans for the Virgin Islands if it were to be struck by another hurricane this year. As youre aware of our hospitals are still damaged and not able to operate in full capacity. Our schools, businesses, hotels are still being prepared. In recent weeks weve also seen exponential growth in covid infections here in the territory, unfortunately. How does fema plan to provide shelter in the verdun specially if covid cases continue to grow here in the Virgin Islands . Yes, maam, thank you and thank you for your support. We do appreciate it. Theres another questions and ill try to get of them. Actually was in the usvi come visit all Three Islands in early january, but with the government of the team to make sure we were addressing all the issues that the territory was experiencing, to include at the time was getting schools reopened, after a Great Partnership with the governor and the team drove that for you. I one of my most talented federal coordinator offices down there to be that effort today in preparedness for Hurricane Season and looking back at the lessons we learn from 2017, we have come out of these on all three eyelids. With more commodities on how to use, more commodities on puerto rico than we ever had before. When it comes to covid19 weve been working with the governor and the Team BuildingSurge Capacity to make sure if a hospital runs out of capacity that they have Surge Capacity, make should have adequate ventilators. And again if theres a need to shelter, were working with the territory to make sure that all the capability that they requir require. Discuss with you terms of nontarget sheltering after the storm . What is the plan . I would have to talk to the fco and the Virgin IslandEmergency Managers who is specifics they have but if you allow me i will follow up and get your detail of what the territories played it for that and how were supporting it. Thank you. You talk about Surge Capacity, in terms of covid. As you know everyone is concerned with ppe funding. The president has stated this response was preeminently the responsibility of the federal government. And the Virgin Islands we learn fema is decided the plexiglas is not eligible for reimbursement under the public Assistance Program. Why does fema feel its not responsible for reimbursing the cost for protective equipment like plexiglas which as an emergency protected measure . Do you all not see it as an emergency protective measure . Thats the first i heard of that issue. Again, i will personally look into the and get back to you with an answer. I really appreciated that. One of the of the things i wanted to you about was in terms of cost share. I understand we probably will not agree how much is the federal governments responsible at how much is the states, but absent that i would appreciate a commitment from you that in a short time within two weeks or so that you will jointly issued guidance with hhs too much work please explain what activities will be the responsibility of hhs and was to be the responsibility of fema. I note you all are working on an m. O. A. If this pandemic continues ravaging stronger than ever and congress has appropriated 45 billion for the Disaster Relief fund of the cares act which would supplement funding for your agencys response effort. Can give an update or is there a commitment from you that speedy you are absolutely correct that we have a bulletin for Covid Response and we have a bulletin for National Disasters under Hurricane Season as an example and were in the process of merging go so its clear to jurisdictions under covid19 major or on a potentially new major for hurricane or tropical storm. So were working out those details. One of the challenge is theres lots of supplemental funding across the nation for lots of two things and want to make sure its clear and people understand how to use it so when the accounting happens we dont have too clawback any money or duplication of benefits we want to be delivered about that. With us an update i will absolutely share it with you. Im just hoping like the other issues weve had particularly the step program that that guidance will be sooner rather than later so our government has clear delineation of what the guidance is. And with the chairs indulgence i would ask mr. Gaynor come really looking for you, i understand you recently, youve had a commitment from you personally that any outstanding issues with closing out the step program in the virgin eyelids would be resolved by august of this year. His fema the lower tract on that commitment to resolve the outstanding issues with closing up the shelter and temporary essential power, the step program by next month . I have other questions i will submit for the record and after your response i yield back. Thank you so. Yesmen. On step weve had numerous conversations with the territory on it and i think from our point of view it really is, and we provide Technical Support and assistance as required and that step program, public Assistance Program is reimbursable for eligible expenses. The issue is between the government of puerto rico and the vendors they hired making sure all the paperwork has been submitted, make sure it is proper and then when it is proper we will absolutely reimbursed for eligible costs for the step program. But i think the right now the ball is in the Government Court with the contractors that they hired. Sonnet asking about puerto rico for him asking about the Virgin Islands. So my understanding is that the local government of the virgin eyelids is giving you all the information and right now its for fema to finalize the outstanding issues so they can be resolved by august. Again, i have a little bit dated information to 30 to 45 days old but the last object i got was still waiting on paperwork so we can actually, we have no problem with identifying the funding to pay out on it. Its making sure all the costs are eligible and reasonable and proper, and absolutely we will pay on those when the criteria is met. But from eyelids understand, i i be happy to go back and get an update on but my latest understand is the territory and its vendors are still working those out. I think the gentlelady. Mr. Gaynor, we are very appreciative of you being here today, and you have one of the most profound tasks i think of anyone in the federal government right now with the exception of dr. Fauci. I would like to speak about the gpa. I am really astounded that we have not taken full advantage of the dpa. I can tell you that in california, in my district, they are grappling with that problem on a daily basis, and are always in need. So how can we better use the dpa to get the resources we need . This particular pandemic is going to be with us for another year. Yes, maam. Ive said this publicly a couple of times before. So to date fema, weve used the dpa at least 14 times and as other agencies have dpa authorities have use. Early on march and april is to understand the environment were operating in and i have probably the finest supply expert in the world that works on this every day, but we want to make sure we do not harm to the existing landscape, to make sure that if you what you mean by do no harm . We have people dying in this country. Yes, maam. Ill give you an example. Everyone needed more n95 mass, the material is the same maturity you make a gallon with. They stopped making gallants ann the account shortage. All these unintended consequences we want to be thoughtful and info about when actually used it and wheeze and it delivers what to get the best result. Literacy of understanding you have the authority to exercise dpa as the director of fema yes, sir. Yes, maam. Thats fine. You can call upon Manufacturing Companies that dont engage in this kind of work to do this kind of work, correct . We can and we have and the are many manufactures, and i will just use i listed some earlier but the our new manufactures and the United States now that is not produced n95 masks. There are producers like 3m that it increases the production. Theres manufactures like honeywell that it started new production lines. It is happening, and again back for context, global competition, global competition for all these medical supplies, 90 of medical supplies none made in the u. S. , and this is a National Security issue. It is. Our goal is to move those critical supplies the saved lives, minimize suffering back to the United States and we are doing that. Of the challenges its not a switch. Its a rheostat so it takes time to make all that happen. Heres my point. Excuse me, let me make this point. I have companies in my district that took advantage of ppp, thats that payroll Protection Plan. They got milliondollar loans to become the middleman in buying ppp, ppe from china. So they actually bought n95 masks from china, brought into the United States, and they would charge our government one dollar and getting a payroll Protection Plan loan on top of it. It has gotten so twisted and we i think are misusing the taxpayers money when we dont do virtually all of that here in the United States. Let me move on to another again, just some more context. Through the cares act that Congress Passed a billion dollars to increase production in the United States. So our partners in dod are working on a host of initiatives to increase production of pharmaceuticals, n95 masks, other speakers i appreciate that my hospitals are still clamoring for ppe. They are struggling to get it. They are paying high prices for it. It shouldnt have to happen. Yes, maam. Again were in a much better placed to we still have a way to go but we have come along way since march and april. Ive no doubt prices are not what they once were precovid at 70 cents a mask. Those days are probably long gone but nonetheless, we get healthier everyday and all use n95 masks, when you import a little more from overseas and till we can catch up in the United States. But we have to build in america we have to make sure we just dont build in america for couple years and forget about how important it is. But to find those copies, those Great American companies that are doing it for us today for the long haul. We are focused on that so we dont fall in this trap in five years or ten ten years or 15 y. We want to make sure we learn the Lessons Learned from hard Lessons Learned over the past five months that we dont repeat those again. The price gouging thats going on here in the United States, which is happening as well, youre saying those 70 cents n95 masks are long gone. Why should they be long gone if we can get the production of . If we are paying u. S. Companies that to do the production, why shouldnt they providing those masks at 70 cents a mask . Im not an economist or supply chain expert, but it is about a lack of supply and there in high demand. Those prices go up and im not saying its right or a try. I think it is the environment we live in and i think if you make it in america it will probably cost a little bit more than making it in china, for example. Part of the we relive, we live in just in time world where we really dont warehouse these things anymore. Its just, you know, we needed today today and comes from china to more and we have at the next day. We need to change that so we are selfsufficient as as a nationo dont fall into this trap. Its not only ppe. Its all those other things we have to take a deep diving to make sure the nation is ready not only for the next pandemic or something that equals that stress on i think my time is sort of expired but since im the last person i will take offense of ask you one more set of questions. Could i just ask you this straight out . Do you believe in Climate Change . I believe that the first of all im not a scientist but i believe that the climate has changed. Ill just use perkins and you look back at the history of hurricanes over the last 75 years or more. More frequent, more costly, more damage. So the climate has changed, but femas role in this is no matter the cost of this asking whether its a hurricane or tornado, our response and our responsibility to nation is respond to all of those precisely precisely. It would make sense would it not that you would have Climate Change as something that you would consider in your Strategic Planning, possibly to improve your ability to assist when these calamities the car . Youre referencing the 2018 strategy, Strategic Plan . Yes. We did not reference Climate Change. We didnt reference speedy you removed it is my understanding. I wasnt here for 27psi cant speak to that but what i do know is we didnt speak to hazards in the plan. It was really more of a thought piece about what is important to the nation. Let me give you context how i was a state director. Fema requires every state to have a Hazard Mitigation plan that addresses change in conditions, things like demographics, land use, infrastructure, climate in that plan. So we are fully embraced and the vacation we understand all the things that impact readiness in states, ratings and locals and readiness as a nation. It may not be in there but again, it should be. It has to be considered, correct . We consider it. The last question i have deals with whether or not your training those are going to be called into the workforce during the fire season come are you training them in virus containment techniques . In terms of interaction with each other on the fire lines. I cant speak specifically to firefighters on a fine line but what i can say is the cdc has numerous guidelines about how to keep safe when dealing with covid19. So whether youre a firefighter or Police Officer or a nurse and hospital, there is guidance that you can use to keep yourself safe. Ill give you the four basic things that they ever needs to do whether youre on the front line arbeiter or just at home, you know, watching tv. Where in ask. If edwin did that, wear a mask. If edwin did that we would continue to put the curve. Keep your hands clean. Dont wear gloves. Doesnt help. Third is social distancing. Six feet away or more. Lastly, dont go into crowded bars and dont go into crowded restaurant if we can do those four basic thinks every american american, allamerica response, can work towards eating covid19 ssas we can. And i got those four from dr. Fauci so i am proud to kodama desperate will, mr. Administrator, thank you. Its important for the message to get out about gloves come to the every time i see people with gloves on, i worry that they dont appreciate that theyre actually making things worse. They are, they are. Thank you again very much for being here today. In closing, i want to thank, thank you again for your remarks and your willingness to engage with us. Without objection all members will have five legislative days within which to submit additional written questions for the witnesses to the chair which will be forwarded to the witnesses for the response. And i ask that you promptly respond as you are able. This hearing is adjourned. Thank you, maam. [inaudible conversations] [inaudible conversations] [inaudible conversations] [inaudible conversations] [inaudible conversations] coming up here on cspan2, dr. Fauci will be giving an update on the coronavirus pandemic. Live coverage of his interview with Washington Post begins at 11 30 a. M. Eastern. You can watch online that cspan. Org or listen to the free cspan radio app. During the summer months reach out to your elected officials with cspans congressional directory. Contains all the Contact Information you need to stay in touch with members of congress, federal agencies and state governors. Order your copy online today at cspanstore. Org. Binge watch booktv this summer saturday evening at 8 p. M. Eastern subtle and i watch several hours others favorite authors. Before the senate adjourned for the week Majority Leader Mitch Mcconnell spoke about the latest efforts to pass another Coronavirus Relief bill announcing there was an agreement in principle between republicans and the white house. He said the current plan is to release the legislative framework by early next week. Mr. President , as i said our nation stands at a critical midway point in a fight against the coronavirus. We made it through the springtime lockdowns. Americans sacrifices saved our medical system and the hispanic the historic cares act help millions of families make a through but this terrible virus is still with us. It kills more americans every day. Some areas that of reopened have seen cases spike. Our hospitals,ar Healthcare Providers and especially our vulnerable citizens are nowhere