Katrina Commission Does Not Represent United America

DeLauro: Katrina Commission Does Not Represent United America

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Congresswoman Rosa L. DeLauro (Conn.-3) today issued the following statement on the U.S. House vote to create a select committee that will examine where the administration failed in the Hurricane Katrina recovery effort. Eleven of the 20 seats on the committee will be held by Republicans.

"What has helped the country begin to recover from the devastation of Hurricane Katrina is the heroic efforts of countless rescue personnel and ordinary citizens who have contributed in various capacities. The country is united in this effort and heroism is on the march in the Gulf Coast region.

"And America has spoken about the Federal government's response to Hurricane Katrina. Americans want an objective assessment of what went wrong during the aftermath of this storm -- an in-depth investigation performed by an independent group that is removed from politics. This process should be about understanding what this administration has done to FEMA. It is particularly important that we evaluate this response now since hurricane season is not yet over.

"Yet as the president prepares to address the nation about Hurricane Katrina relief efforts this evening, I find it disheartening that the Republican majority in Congress would vote to initiate a partisan investigation at a time when Americans are calling for a renewed sense of community from their leaders. This is a time to unite and tackle America's problems, not further divide the country. The commission voted on today by the U.S. House does not represent the America that is united around Hurricane Katrina's relief effort."

http://www.house.gov/delauro/press/2005/September/katrina_committee_09_15_05.html