(Washington, DC)— Congresswoman Diane E. Watson (CA-33rd) released the following statement on FEMA Director Michael Brown’s resignation:

“Last week I, along with 35 of my congressional colleagues, sent a letter to President Bush calling for FEMA Director Michael Brown’s resignation.  In the letter I noted that restoration of confidence in the federal government’s response to Hurricane Katrina must begin with Michael Brown’s departure from FEMA.

“FEMA’s response in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina has been totally unacceptable.  The American people deserve better; at the very least they deserve competent leadership.

“It is my hope that the President will now appoint an experienced person to head FEMA.  It will be only the first step of many important steps the President must take to restore our nation’s confidence in the federal government’s ability to protect our nation’s homeland.”