Pelosi: "We Saw Consequences of Broken Promises Made to People of Gulf Coast"

Pelosi: ‘We Saw Consequences of Broken Promises Made to People of Gulf Coast'

House Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi and 24 House Democrats concluded their three-day tour of the Gulf Coast this morning, which they spent listening to the residents, small business owners, health care providers, educators and elected officials of the region.

"While we saw some measure of progress, we also saw the consequences of the broken promises made to the people here," Pelosi said.

* Thousands of people are still waiting for housing - but the Republican Congress didn't enact needed housing money for homeowners in Louisiana until June, 10 months after Katrina - and the money has still failed to reach these homeowners.

* $2 billion of the money spent by FEMA has been waste, fraud, and abuse.

* 80 percent of Gulf Coast businesses with approved SBA disaster loans are still waiting to get their loans.

* Only three of the 10 acute-care hospitals in New Orleans have re-opened; the only public hospital, Charity, has still not re-opened.

* Only 56 of 128 public schools in New Orleans are enrolling students this fall.

"We have been buoyed by the spirit of the amazing people who lost so much - but who have not lost hope," Pelosi said. "The Gulf Coast's recovery will be a testament to their strength. Hurricane Katrina challenged the conscience of our country, and it is clear that we have not met that challenge. At the federal level, we must be driven by a sense of urgency that matches the damage done and the positive spirit of renewal of the people of the region. We owe them no less."

http://democraticleader.house.gov/press/releases.cfm?pressReleaseID=1759