(Warwick, R.I.)–Congressman Jim Langevin (D-RI) today lauded the quick action of the House of Representatives in approving emergency aid in the wake of Hurricane Katrina, while at the same expressing frustration at the insufficient relief effort.

Langevin’s office has fielded dozens of calls this week from Rhode Islanders concerned about the horrific images they are seeing on television coming from Louisiana, Mississippi and elsewhere.

“Rhode Islanders are absolutely right to be angry and frustrated,” said Langevin. “I share their frustration and I am embarrassed as a member of the federal government. The government’s reaction was ill coordinated and too slow.”

To do its part, the House of Representatives today approved a $10 billion emergency supplemental appropriation will be funneled to the Federal Emergency Management Agency to provide immediate relief and support. An additional $500 million was also allocated to the US Department of Defense for operations and maintenance.

Once the immediate crisis has abated, Langevin, as a member of the Homeland Security Committee will be carefully examining what went wrong, how the region and federal government could have been better prepared, and what must be done to ensure this kind of situation is never again repeated.

“There is no question that we should have been better prepared for this disaster, and there will be many, many tough questions to be answered in the weeks and months ahead on the part of federal officials and others,” said Langevin.

“My thoughts and prayers go out to all those who have lost loved ones, had their homes and livelihoods destroyed, and who continue to suffer in terrible conditions,” continued Langevin.

Langevin, along with the Governor and Lt. Governor offices are urging Rhode Islanders to give what they can. The three agencies the state is working with are the Red Cross, Salvation Army and Rhode Island Food Bank. For a complete list of aid organizations log onto http://www.house.gov/langevin/

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