Opening Statement By Rep. Brian Baird

Good morning.  I now call to order this joint Research & Science Education and Energy & Environment Subcommittee hearing on The State of Hurricane Research and H.R. 2407, The National Hurricane Research Initiatives Act of 2007.  

I look forward to hearing from our panel of witnesses about the steps needed to improve our ability to prepare for and respond to hurricanes.  Hurricanes of recent years have brought to our attention the significant and far-reaching effects of natural disasters, such as hurricanes, on local communities and the nation.  The devastating loss of life, dislocation of families, and damage to the economy resulting from Hurricane Katrina and others sent a loud and clear message.  It is imperative that we improve our understanding of hurricanes and enhance our ability to predict, prepare for, and respond to them.   

Following a year long assessment of the state of hurricane research in our country, the National Science Board came forward with a set of recommendations to better align hurricane science and engineering research with our national needs.  The Board’s keystone recommendation was that the U.S. engage in a nationally coordinated, multi-agency and multi-disciplinary hurricane research initiative.  Today we will explore the Board’s recommendations as well as the proposed legislation, H.R. 2407.

H.R. 2407, the National Hurricane Research Initiative (NHRI), takes the general recommendations of the NSB report and seeks to assemble a multi-agency effort focused on developing a better understanding of hurricane prediction; intensity; and mitigation on coastal populations, infrastructure, and the natural environment.

I hope to hear from our witnesses whether this bill is a workable way to address the gaps in our hurricane research efforts.  I look forward to the assessment of current federal hurricane research activities and their thoughts on the proposed legislation.  I also welcome their suggestions for ways we might improve the bill.    

Finally, I am particularly interested in hearing how the social and behavioral sciences can contribute to our understanding of the ways individuals and entire communities prepare for, respond to, and recover from disasters.  I would like to hear what role social science research could play in addressing the need to transfer research outcomes into operational practice.

I thank my colleagues Mr. Hastings and Ms. Ros-Lehtinen for joining us today, and for their effort in addressing this timely issue.  Thanks to all of our witnesses for being here, and I look forward to your testimony.  I now recognize the Ranking Member for any comments he may wish to make.