The U.S. House of Representatives recently passed H.R. 1786, the “National Windstorm Impact Reduction Act Reauthorization of 2013,” by Rep. Randy Neugebauer (R-Texas). The bill would authorize funding for increased research into reducing the economic and human toll of windstorms.

H.R. 1786 is one of several bills endorsed by the BuildStrong Coalition. The Big “I” is an active member of the coalition, which promotes a comprehensive natural disaster mitigation strategy for the country. The bill aims to create better understanding of windstorms and the mitigation steps available to protect property, save lives and reduce the taxpayer costs of natural disasters.

John Prible is Big “I” vice president of federal government affairs. Margarita Tapia is Big “I” director of public affairs.