Earthquake Warning Systems

Floor Speech

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Ms. BONAMICI. Mr. Speaker, my home State of Oregon sits on the Cascadia subduction zone, a fault that separates the Juan de Fuca and North America tectonic plates. We are due--some say overdue--for an earthquake.

Oregonians are well aware of the dangers facing our State, and I applaud the President and Interior Secretary Jewell for recognizing this potentially devastating threat to the West Coast.

On Tuesday the White House convened scientists, public officials, and private companies at a summit to discuss how to improve warning systems and resilience to earthquakes. Oregon was well represented by the Oregon director of Emergency Management and by representatives from the University of Oregon and Intel.

The University of Oregon manages the USGS Pacific Northwest Seismic Network and assists local governments in preparing for disaster resilience. Intel is a leader in efforts to involve the private sector in helping businesses and communities prepare for an earthquake.

We all know that better warning systems can save lives and save property. I look forward to continuing to work with all of my colleagues in Congress to help communities prepare for earthquakes and related hazards.

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