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<br />. <br /> <br />. <br /> <br />. <br /> <br />PPOO-3 <br /> <br />Tim Cohn, Science Advisor for Hazards <br />USGS National Center MS: 107 <br />12201 Sunrise Valley Drive <br />Reston, VA 20192 <br />703/648-5711 (ph) <br />703/648-5470 (fax) <br /> <br />Reducing Natural Disaster Losses? Let's Talk About Congress! <br /> <br />Reducing losses from natural hazards will require participation from all sectors of our <br /> <br />society, and specifically from the U.S. Congress. The Congress oversees and funds the federal <br /> <br />government, including hazards research and disaster response. Along with the Administration, the <br /> <br />Congress sets national policies in myriad areas, from insurance to environmental legislation, that <br /> <br />directly and indirectly affect our vulnerability to natural hazards. <br /> <br />Communicating with Congress is really not that difficult: You just need to frame your <br /> <br />issue and understand a few things about how Congress works. Members of Congress welcome <br /> <br />and value dependable sources of technical infonnation, even though their decisions are also <br /> <br />shaped by political realities. <br /> <br />There are many ways to communicate with Congress, including but not limited to <br /> <br />constituent letters, visits to District offices, and Congressional Fellowships. By understanding <br /> <br />and taking advantage of these opportunities, scientists can become more effective participants in <br /> <br />our society's democratic processes. <br />