III 109th CONGRESS 1st Session S. RES. 259 IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES September 28, 2005 Mr. Craig (for himself and Mr. Akaka) submitted the following resolution; which was referred to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs RESOLUTION Commending the efforts of the Department of Veterans Affairs in responding to Hurricane Katrina.

Whereas Hurricane Katrina physically devastated many areas in the States of Alabama, Mississippi, and Louisiana; Whereas the Department of Veterans Affairs operates 11 medical centers, 18 community-based outpatient clinics, 3 regional offices, and 8 national cemeteries in the States of Alabama, Mississippi, and Louisiana; Whereas the Department of Veterans Affairs evacuated over 1,000 patients, employees, and their families from facilities in the affected areas without any loss of life due to the evacuations; Whereas over 1,000 employees of the Department of Veterans Affairs are volunteering to assist veterans and their families affected by Hurricane Katrina throughout the United States; Whereas the Department of Veterans Affairs is providing shelter to over 550 staff and their families who have been displaced as a result of Hurricane Katrina; Whereas patients and employees of the Department of Veterans Affairs in Texas provided extraordinary support and medical assistance to veterans, staff, and families affected by Hurricane Katrina and coordinated numerous medical efforts as part of the overall Federal Government response and recovery efforts in the Gulf Region; and Whereas heroic actions and efforts on the part of numerous employees and volunteers of the Department of Veterans Affairs saved countless lives and provided immeasurable comfort to the victims of Hurricane Katrina: Now, therefore, be it

That the Senate commends the employees and volunteers of the Department of Veterans Affairs, who risked life and limb to assist veterans, staff, and their respective families who were affected by Hurricane Katrina.