STATEMENT ON THE ONE-YEAR ANNIVERSARY OF HURRICANE KATRINA

One year after Hurricane Katrina wreaked havoc on the Gulf Coast, there remains a tremendous amount of work to be done.  There are some crucial lessons to be learned from the most destructive natural disaster in our country’s history.  Katrina showed us that our government is woefully ill-prepared to deal with such a massive calamity, and that these disasters often have a disproportionate effect on the poor.  We must not forget these important lessons, and I promise to continue my work to address these challenges as your Representative in Washington.  Here are a few examples of ways I have worked to meet these challenges:

Unfortunately, Congressional Republicans continue to refuse to hold bipartisan hearings into both the government’s failed response to Hurricane Katrina and how we can be more prepared for the next disaster.  This is why I have cosponsored HR 3764, a bill that would establish a Congressional Commission to examine the government’s response on all levels, and make recommendations to improve such responses in the future.  I have also cosponsored HR 4197, the Hurricane Katrina Recovery, Reclamation, Restoration, Reconstruction, and Reunion (the 5 R’s) Act.  This bill would provide comprehensive assistance to the victims of Hurricane Katrina.

As Co-Chair of the Congressional Fire Services Caucus, I worked with my fellow colleagues to increase funding for firefighters and first responders in the FY07 Homeland Security appropriations bill.  Specifically, my amendment added $111 million to the FIRE and SAFER grant programs, which help fund local fire and rescue departments, and improve their ability to deal with disaster situations.

As a member of the House Education and Workforce Committee, I am constantly working to improve the quality of our nation’s education system.  The schools in New Orleans and elsewhere have still not recovered from Katrina, and are in dire need of additional funding.  This Congress has failed to deliver.  By improving education in the Gulf Coast, we could make a significant investment in the future, and give the people hardest hit by Katrina the resources to lift themselves out of poverty.

Hurricane Katrina was a devastating blow to the states along Gulf Coast.  The people of our country responded by opening their doors, their wallets, and their hearts.  There is much hope in the future of the Gulf Coast, but our government must make the sacrifices and investments to make this a reality. 

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