Congressman Cuellar Says Needs Of Hurricane Katrina Evacuees Not Being Met

Congressman Cuellar Says Needs Of Hurricane Katrina Evacuees Not Being Met

Six months after Hurricane Katrina, the nation's worst natural disaster, Congressman Henry Cuellar pointed out that more must be done at the federal, state and local levels to ensure Katrina survivors get the help they need. "Half a year is too long to wait for meaningful assistance. For too long, the health care, housing, economic security, and educational needs of hurricane survivors went unmet," said Congressman Cuellar. "More needs to be done," he added.

Congressman Henry Cuellar together with members of the Texas Delegation met with the Housing and Urban Development Secretary Alphonso Jackson to discern Texas' eligibility for hurricane recovery programs through HUD. The bi-partisan Texas congressional delegation was unified in their message of dissatisfaction with the unfair amount of recovery assistance from HUD. Secretary Jackson made a commitment to ensure that Texas' needs are met in every way possible way through his Department.

Hurricane Katrina caused unimaginable destruction. While $6.2 billion has been provided to help homeowners in Louisiana, another $4.2 billion is necessary to allow rebuilding to begin. "Congress must enact quickly the $4.2 billion needed to get rebuilding in Louisiana underway," said Congressman Cuellar. "The survivors of the hurricane have waited too long already."

Congressman Cuellar added, "The amount of destruction caused by Hurricane Katrina will take years to fully recover and we must remain committed to rebuilding a gulf coast that shows the strength and resiliency of the American people."

http://www.house.gov/apps/list/press/tx28_cuellar/pr03022006.html