"Florida has been hit by six hurricanes in the past two years," said Rep. Wasserman Schultz.  "Denying the people of Florida federal assistance to rebuild their lives is insensitive and irresponsible, particularly after we've fallen victim to so many storms.  Our legislation will direct FEMA to reverse their callous and illogical decision."

"Hurricane Katrina will undoubtedly go down as the worst natural disaster in our nation's history," said Rep. Diaz-Balart.  "In addition to the horrific devastation along the Gulf Coast, Hurricane Katrina also left hundreds of South Florida homes badly damaged.  While Floridians are resilient and will overcome this catastrophe, federal individual assistance will help make the clean-up and recovery quicker.  I thank the counties and the state for acting quickly to appeal FEMA's initial ruling.  This legislation will help make sure our constituents receive the assistance they deserve."

"It is clear that Hurricane Katrina is a nationwide issue that requires a nationwide response. Having lived through the devastation caused by past Hurricanes, I know all too well the desperation and utter sense of helplessness that the victims feel and they deserve our utmost support in providing them with the assistance that they need. This legislation would provide the thousands of Floridians with the necessary federal funds in order to continue the rebuilding process," said Congresswoman Ileana Ros-Lehtinen

On Aug. 31, FEMA rejected a request by Miami-Dade and Broward counties to provide individual assistance to local homeowners whose homes were damaged by Hurricane Katrina.  The counties and the governor are appealing the decision.  H.R. 3723, sponsored by Rep. Wasserman Schultz, is co-sponsored by the 24 other members of Florida's delegation to the U.S. House of Representatives and is a direct result of FEMA's decision to deny individual assistance claims to Florida's victims of Hurricane Katrina.

The damage suffered by Floridians as a result of Hurricane Katrina has been widely reported, with estimates of damage to over 350 homes and crop losses of around $492 million.  Florida emergency management officials have stated that nearly 11,000 residents of Florida are seeking relief as a result of Hurricane Katrina, with roughly 58 percent of those making less than $20,000 annually.

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