In the aftermath of Japan's devastating earthquake and tsunami and the rash of tornadoes last week that took over 300 lives in the Midwest and the South, the Senate Commerce Committee held a hearing on "America's Natural Disaster Preparedness."
Chaired by Sen. John Rockefeller (D-WV), the hearing assessed the effectiveness of federal programs to protect American citizens from unforeseen natural disasters, as well as examined investments in observational and warning systems, disaster preparedness and response plans.
The committee holds jurisdiction over National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), NASA, the Coast Guard and other federal agencies and organizations which predict and respond to catastrophic natural events.
Witnesses included Bob Ryan, senior meteorologist for ABC7/WJLA-TV in Washington.