[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 108 (Friday, September 2, 2005)]
[House]
[Page H7630]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                              {time}  1415
                           HURRICANE KATRINA

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under a previous order of the House, the 
gentleman from Connecticut (Mr. Shays) is recognized for 5 minutes.
  Mr. SHAYS. Mr. Speaker, a disaster of this magnitude can be hard to 
comprehend. Convinced of our mastery of the physical world, we too 
often underestimate Nature's horrible, irresistible power.
  A storm like Hurricane Katrina should puncture that hubris and 
occasion in its wake a humble assessment of our plans and preparations 
to meet the catastrophes Mother Nature sends our way.
  As our fellow citizens in affected States struggle to cope, now is 
not the time to compound their fears with criticisms and second 
guessing about rescue and recovery efforts. But gaps and flaws in the 
joint local, State and Federal response are clearly showing. Today the 
President concluded those efforts so far were ``not acceptable.'' They 
are not acceptable.
  In the weeks and months ahead, those of us charged with oversight of 
homeland security issues will be asking hard questions about the 
effectiveness of the Department of Homeland Security and the Federal 
Emergency Management Agency, commonly referred to as FEMA, for their 
response, planning and execution.
  Streams of refugees and reports of lawless gangs terrorizing the 
streets of New Orleans convey images more commonly associated with the 
Third World than with a major commercial port in the New World.
  When a catastrophe, natural or man-made, rips through the social 
fabric, the first obligation of governments at all levels is to 
maintain order and deal with the short-term needs of the populace. The 
capability to reestablish public safety and protect the lives and 
property of law-abiding citizens must be brought to bear visibly and 
promptly.
  Katrina's destruction took just hours, but reconstruction will take 
months and years. Together, we must work overtime until homes are built 
and people are back to work. We must continue to provide all the 
government support, money and manpower they need. We must continue to 
encourage private donations of food, blood, funding and services.
  Although the burden of this storm has been borne by those who live in 
the region, this is truly a national challenge. I have heard from so 
many of my constituents, and all want to express their love and concern 
and convey their desire to be of help by lending their skills, opening 
their homes, providing financial assistance, and doing whatever else 
they can.
  Two wonderful organizations in our district, Save the Children and 
AmeriCares, are working around the clock to provide relief. On our Web 
site, we have provided information on ways to donate money, food and 
water to the efforts.
  Since Katrina washed away homes, businesses, families and lives, 
America has grieved deeply. We all mourn those who lost their lives, 
and we grieve with those who have lost their loved ones and friends.
  While we cannot reverse Katrina's damage, we can begin to repair the 
region, which sustains millions of Americans and is vital to our 
Nation. Today's legislation will help us begin that process of 
rebuilding the area, providing support to law enforcement and getting 
Gulf Coast residents back to the business of their lives. In the days 
and weeks to come, there will be much more that follows.

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