findings and declarations

findings and declarations SEC. 101. (a) The Congress hereby finds and declares that— (1) because loss of life, human suffering, loss of income, and property loss and damage result from major disasters such as hurricanes, tornadoes, storms, floods, high waters, wind-driven 84 Stat. 1745waters, tidal waves, earthquakes, droughts, fires, and other catastrophes; and (2) because such disasters disrupt, the normal functioning of government and the community, and adversely affect individual persons and families with great severity: special measures, designed to assist the efforts of the affected States in expediting the rendering of aid, assistance, and emergency welfare services, and the reconstruction and rehabilitation of devastated areas, are necessary. (b) It is the intent of the Congress, by this Act, to provide an orderly and continuing means of assistance by the Federal Government to State and local governments in carrying out their responsibilities to alleviate the suffering and damage which result from such disasters by— (1) revising and broadening the scope of existing major disaster relief programs; (2) encouraging the development of comprehensive disaster relief plans, programs, and organizations by the States; and (3) achieving greater coordination and responsiveness of Federal major disaster relief programs.