(WASHINGTON, DC) – Congressman Dennis Moore (Third District -- Kansas) today joined Representative Mario Diaz-Balart (R-FL) and the American Society of Civil Engineers in hosting a forum to discuss tornado and hurricane readiness measures.

“Deadly thunderstorms and tornadoes are a fact of life in Kansas and we have repeatedly seen the damage done by these disasters,” said Moore. “Through forums like these, we can bring together experts taking proactive steps to save lives and property. It is imperative that in an age this technologically advanced, we transfer the benefits of that technology to states, communities, and individuals.”

Today’s forum featured Marc Levitan of the Louisiana State University Hurricane Center and Danny Killcollins, Planning Manager of the Florida Division of Emergency Management. The speakers discussed the destruction caused by violent tornadoes in early May, including one death in Wyandotte County, ten injuries, and major damage to at least 100 homes. Levitan and Killcollins also assessed the level of readiness for the upcoming hurricane season.

On May 7, Moore reintroduced H.R. 2020, the Hurricane, Tornado and Related Hazard Reduction Act, a bipartisan bill that will focus federal efforts on minimizing the loss of life and property due to severe windstorms. Diaz-Balart is the leading co-sponsor of the legislation. The bill would authorize significant increases in funding, provide for better coordination of the federal effort, prioritize research efforts, increase technology transfer programs and emphasize public education.

Moore serves as co-chair of the Congressional Wind Hazard Reduction Caucus, which he co-founded on October 27, 1999. The Wind Hazard Reduction Caucus is a bipartisan organization that is focused on increasing the awareness of Members of Congress about public safety and economic losses associated with wind. The goal of the Caucus is to improve public safety and decrease the economic losses associated with tropical storms, hurricanes, thunderstorms, tornadoes, and other severe wind events. Additional information on the Wind Hazard Reduction Coalition can be found at the group’s website: http://www.windhazards.org/caucus.cfm.