Durbin Statement Regarding Senate Action to Provide Hurricane Relief Funds

Statement

U.S. Senator Dick Durbin (D-IL) today made the following statement regarding the Senate's passage of a $10.5 billion emergency supplemental appropriations bill to aid the victims of Hurricane Katrina:

"Tonight, the Senate acted swiftly to provide more than $10 billion in emergency funding that is critically needed. This is just the first step. In the coming weeks and months, as we begin to understand the true nature of this disaster, Congress will be asked to provide billions of additional dollars in assistance."

"I join the residents of Illinois who stand ready and willing to help their neighbors to the South and in commending our National Guard units and volunteers who have already traveled to the areas impacted by Hurricane Katrina. We pray for their safe return."

"During this time of national crisis, Congress is prepared to do whatever is necessary to assist the families in Louisiana, Mississippi, Florida and Alabama. As a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, I will work with my colleagues and the Administration to provide the federal aid necessary to help these communities recover."

"Americans are horrified by the devastation caused by Hurricane Katrina and the suffering that so many of our citizens experiencing, but I believe the American spirit will prevail."

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