One-Year Anniversary of Hurricane Katrina

One-Year Anniversary of Hurricane Katrina

Sanders said, "In the weeks following the devastation of Hurricane Katrina, President Bush promised Gulf Coast residents that the Administration would do what it takes to rebuild their communities and their lives. Unfortunately, as we mark the one-year anniversary of the storm, it is clear that this President has not kept his promise.

"Currently only 3 out of 10 acute-care hospitals in New Orleans have re-opened; only 56 of 128 public schools in New Orleans are enrolling students this fall; and 80% of Gulf Coast businesses with approved SBA disaster loans are still waiting to receive the funds they need to rebuild. Less than half of the $110 billion in federal money that Bush has touted has actually been spent—the rest having been tied up in bureaucratic delays and mismanagement. This rampant mismanagement also includes awarding more than 70% of the government contracts to repair the region without full competition, wasting hundreds of millions of taxpayer dollars and delaying desperately needed repairs. The residents of the Gulf Coast deserve more than delays and empty promises, they deserve real action that will help them rebuild their communities."

http://bernie.house.gov/documents/document.asp?issueNum=4995