"Before we even begin to question what went wrong with the federal response to Hurricane Katrina, we need to do everything in our power to rescue victims and help them begin to rebuild their lives," said Congressman Berry. "Today's vote was about an entire elected body coming together to send immediate relief to a devastated region. The only way this country will come back stronger than before is to remain united and focus on what is important – providing a decimated region with new life and opportunity."

The $51.8 billion relief package includes $50 billion for the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), $1.4 billion for the Defense Department, and $400 million for the Army Corps of Engineers for restoration work on navigation locks and channel dredging. The measure also includes $15 million for audits and investigations into the federal response and recovery effort and requires the Homeland Security Department to provide Congress with weekly reports on how it uses these funds.

"Congress is prepared to do whatever it takes to help this region rebuild, but we must demand some accountability from the Department of Homeland Security," said Congressman Berry. "This is the most money we have ever appropriated for a natural disaster and we need to make sure our federal agencies are using this money to conduct an effective response and recovery operation."

Today's vote comes one week after Congress approved $10.5 billion for emergency operations in Louisiana, Mississippi, and Alabama. At that point in time, the Federal Emergency Management Agency was spending as much as $500 million a day to rescue victims and provide them with emergency food, water, and shelter. Congress has already appropriated more money for Hurricane Katrina than any other disaster in United States history and intends to provide additional relief as more information becomes available on the extent of the damage.