Van Hollen Statement on Hurricane Relief Efforts
For Immediate Release
September 2, 2005
Van Hollen Statement on Hurricane Relief Efforts
Washington, D.C. - Congressman Chris Van Hollen (D-MD) today released the following statement.
"My deepest condolences go to the victims of Hurricane Katrina, who lost their lives, their homes, their communities, and their livelihoods. My thoughts and prayers are with them and their families.
"I have been very disappointed in what appears to have been a slow federal response to this disaster. In addition, many appeared to have ignored warnings over the years about the potential vulnerabilities and the steps that could be taken to prepare for this situation. There will be time later to fully review and assess the adequacy of the early federal, state, and local preparedness. For now, however, we must focus on providing immediate assistance to those in need. I am pleased that the Congress convened today on an emergency basis to provide more than 10 billion dollars for disaster relief efforts. In addition, I have been working with federal, state, and local officials to ensure that Maryland does everything it can to support the relief efforts. The State of Maryland has dispatched members of its National Guard and Montgomery County has dispatched search and rescue squad personnel. Other local governments are actively exploring ways that they can help.
"We are in regular communication with members of the Louisiana Congressional Delegation and have been providing them with assistance as needed. If you have family or friends who have been affected by this tragedy and are in need of assistance, please contact my office and my staff and I will do everything we can to help. We will continue to do whatever we can to assist people in need during this difficult time.
"If you would like to contribute to the disaster relief effort, we have provided a list of services below. While the enormity of this tragedy is overwhelming, I am confident that a spirit of determination and generosity will ensure that we will rebuild and endure. Our strength as a nation will be evident in the days to come as communities throughout our country unite to provide assistance to those in need."
http://www.house.gov/apps/list/press/md08_vanhollen/Hurricane_Relief_Efforts.html