Disaster Relief for Hurricane Katrina

Statement

Statement of the Hon. Rosa L. DeLauro

Disaster Relief for Hurricane Katrina

Congresswoman Rosa L. DeLauro (Conn.-3) issued the following statement on the devastation caused by Hurricane Katrina and the $10.5 billion passed by Congress today for disaster relief.

"Our thoughts and prayers are with the thousands of citizens in Louisiana, Mississippi and Alabama who have lost everything due to Hurricane Katrina. Assisting people as they rebuild their lives after this unprecedented natural disaster is a moral responsibility of government. My top concern remains the search and rescue efforts underway on the ground in this affected region, and I am grateful for the heroic efforts of the relief workers who have joined in this effort.

"I am encouraged that the battered Gulf Coast region will receive $10.5 billion in emergency funding from Congress, funding that will aid critical evacuation and recovery efforts as well as allow this area to begin to recover.

"However, the issue is less whether we have the money for this-we will-than whether it will be used efficiently. Despite early warnings regarding the damage a hurricane could cause to this region, it appears the president's budget underfunded countless flood control and prevention projects. At the same time, there are serious questions regarding the Administration's competence in responding to this tragedy. In particular, the Federal Emergency Management Agency's incoherent response in the days following this disaster has been unacceptable.

"I want to urge the president to take responsibility and move the federal government to action. These suffering Americans deserve no less.

"This emergency funding is a necessary first step on this long road to recovery. In the coming days, I will be working to ensure that it is used appropriately."

Third District constituents looking for relief organizations where contributions can be made should visit DeLauro's website at: http://www.house.gov/delauro/Katrina.htm.

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