Emergency Supplemental Appropriations Act to Meet Immediate Needs Arising from the Consequences of Hurrincane Katrina, 2005

EMERGENCY SUPPLEMENTAL APPROPRIATIONS ACT TO MEET IMMEDIATE NEEDS ARISING FROM THE CONSEQUENCES OF HURRICANE KATRINA, 2005 -- (Extensions of Remarks - September 08, 2005)

SPEECH OF
HON. BETTY McCOLLUM
OF MINNESOTA
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 2, 2005

Ms. McCOLLUM of Minnesota. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of the Emergency Supplemental Appropriations Act to Meet Immediate Needs Arising From the Consequences of Hurricane Katrina, 2005 (H.R. 3645) and of the decision to call this special session to send resources to Louisiana, Mississippi and Alabama quickly.

The thoughts and prayers of all Americans go out to the citizens of the states and communities devastated by Hurricane Katrina. The entire country has watched the images of the destruction caused by this natural disaster with shock and sadness. Those who have lost loved ones, their homes and their communities must receive immediate aid and the legislation we are passing today will start that process.

As we respond to the immediate needs of the families displaced by this tragic natural disaster, the citizens of Louisiana, Mississippi and Alabama also have my commitment that I will work with you to rebuild New Orleans and the rest of the Gulf Coast. The impacts of this disaster on families, communities, the economy, and the environment will be long lasting. It will take resolve and commitment to ensure that we complete this enormous task.

The American spirit and the generosity of our citizens will be there for the victims of this tragedy. The first responder in this effort, however, must be the federal government--both for immediate needs and for long term rebuilding. Today is a critical first step in that effort and I am pleased to support this bill.

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