Washington, D.C.  -  Congressman Mike Rogers said today Speaker Dennis Hastert has asked him to join a bi-partisan House Leadership delegation this week to assess the damage and progress that has occurred in Katrina-devastated areas of Alabama, Mississippi and Louisiana. 
The delegation, which includes Speaker Hastert (R-IL) and House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi (D-CA), plans to visit Mobile, Gulfport, and New Orleans. Rogers, who is Chairman of the Homeland Security oversight committee, said he deeply appreciates the opportunity to see the areas firsthand.

“I deeply appreciate Speaker Hastert for inviting me on this important assignment,” Rogers said.

“Over the past several months I have heard testimony about the devastation and the government’s response to the crisis, and now I will see it firsthand.

 “I hope this bi-partisan delegation provides Congressional leaders a constructive opportunity to assess the rebuilding efforts thus far, and see what additional lessons have been learned.”

Rogers said Speaker Hastert asked him to join the delegation given his role as Chairman of the Homeland Security subcommittee on Management, Integration, and Oversight. Alabama Congressman Jo Bonner (R-Mobile) will also be on the trip.

Rogers said the delegation will depart Washington on Thursday afternoon, and visit various sites in Louisiana, Mississippi and Alabama. He said the trip will end on Saturday afternoon.

  
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