[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 108 (Friday, September 2, 2005)]
[House]
[Page H7629]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




            EMERGENCY RELIEF TO VICTIMS OF HURRICANE KATRINA

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under a previous order of the House, the 
gentleman from Nevada (Mr. Gibbons) is recognized for 5 minutes.
  Mr. GIBBONS. Mr. Speaker, today we come to the floor of this body not 
as Democrats, not as Republicans, but as Americans, united in an effort 
to find a solution to find help for the people affected by the wrath of 
Hurricane Katrina.
  Today, Mr. Speaker, we unanimously passed financial assistance to the 
victims of Hurricane Katrina and this Nation stands united. This entire 
Nation stands ready and willing to help the many thousands of victims 
in Hurricane Katrina's wrath. But first, let me extend my deepest 
sympathies to those who have lost loved ones in the rising flood waters 
and the devastation of this storm. We all share the grief they are 
feeling during this tragic time.
  Our most immediate concern is the safety and security of the people 
of Louisiana, Mississippi and Alabama who are fighting this very day, 
this very hour, this very moment to survive.
  Many Nevadans have stepped up to offer their help in this effort. We 
have contractors in Nevada who have donated construction material, 
concrete, steel to help rebuild. We have banking institutions like 
Wells Fargo that have offered emergency financial assistance, emergency 
financial support and processes by which these people can access 
financial assistance.
  Members of the National Guard in the State of Nevada have also been 
called up, both from the 152nd Air National Guard Medical Group based 
in Reno and the Army Guard's Medical Detachment 5 headquartered in 
Reno. And Las Vegas were among the 100 already-deployed Nevadans 
assisting in the emergency response currently underway.
  The emergency team doctors, nurses and other medical specialists and 
their equipment left Reno on a C-130 with less than 24 hours' notice. 
The team will spend up to 2 weeks aiding the victims of Hurricane 
Katrina. As the recovery effort continues, Congress took the necessary 
steps today as a united body to enable these communities to begin to 
rebuild.
  Thousands of residents in Louisiana, Mississippi and Alabama have had 
their lives shattered, have lost their homes, their businesses; and 
entire livelihoods have been swept away.
  Rebuilding these cities like New Orleans, Gulfport, and Biloxi and 
the many other once-bustling resort towns will not be done overnight, 
but the people of these Gulf Coast communities should know that the 
American people stand united, united not just with our rhetoric but 
with our action; and we will work with them to rebuild these cherished 
communities.
  The people and businesses of Nevada, like Albertson's, which will 
provide $9 million in water and food, have given generously to the 
relief effort and will continue to do so.
  May our thoughts and our prayers be with the victims of Hurricane 
Katrina as they work to find the strength to overcome the devastation 
Mother Nature has wrought upon them.
  Mr. Speaker, may God bless this great country and assist these 
people.

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