It was into those communities that Coast Congressman Gene
Taylor led more than a dozen of his congressional colleagues this week,
including the most powerful of them all - Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi.
Pelosi, who calls Taylor "Mr. Insurance," said
that next month the House of Representatives will consider
That is heartening.
As was this comment from one of Pelosi's key political
lieutenants, House Majority Whip Jim Clyburn: "I want you all to know that
our commitment to you is as genuine as anything we've ever undertaken. And we
will never relent."
It will require a relentless effort in Congress to overcome
the objections of some insurance companies to expanding federal coverage.
Fortunately, Pelosi understands that.
"We're up against a mighty force," she said of the
lobbying efforts of the insurance industry. "But we have something on our
side - we are right."
Monday's visit by such an influential congressional
delegation to Hancock and Harrison counties was much appreciated.
Also to be appreciated was the response by local residents,
hundreds of whom went out of their way to inform representatives of distant
legislative districts of the challenges that remain so long after Katrina.
