WASHINGTON (4 March) – U.S. Rep. Gus M. Bilirakis (R-Fla.), the only Florida member on the House Homeland Security Committee, today released the following statement after the selection of Florida emergency management director Craig Fugate as director of the Federal Emergency Management Agency:

"I applaud the selection of Florida emergency management director Craig Fugate, as President Barack Obama's choice to lead the Federal Emergency Management Agency."

“Director Fugate is keenly in tune with our state’s needs on hurricane preparedness and response. I am eager to continue my work with Craig to ensure that our nation’s disaster preparedness and response plans provide clear, consistent guidance to state and local officials before and after disasters."