[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 110 (Wednesday, September 7, 2005)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1769]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




   EMERGENCY SUPPLEMENTAL APPROPRIATIONS ACT TO MEET IMMEDIATE NEEDS 
        ARISING FROM THE CONSEQUENCES OF HURRICANE KATRINA, 2005

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                         HON. JERRY F. COSTELLO

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                       Friday, September 2, 2005

  Mr. COSTELLO. Mr. Speaker, I want to take this opportunity to express 
my support for this critical funding to address the enormous needs that 
exist along the Gulf Coast following the devastation of Hurricane 
Katrina. I also want to express my heartfelt condolences to the 
victims, both living and dead, of this storm. While this country has 
encountered many natural disasters, few in memory have produced the 
scenes of destruction and human need that we are seeing daily from the 
region. This $10 billion we are approving today is what I expect to be 
a very small portion of the actual cost of the rescue and evacuation 
efforts in New Orleans and the gulf area, and is a first step in a 
process that could take years to complete. I commend Speaker Hastert 
and Leader Pelosi for acting quickly to pass this legislation.
  As we always do, the people of the United States are rallying to 
support their fellow citizens during this time of crisis. I want to 
thank all of the volunteers that are heading to the region and all of 
the people around the country that have reached into their pocketbooks 
or in some other way are sending aid. This help is essential and 
greatly appreciated.
  While there are questions being asked about why it has taken so long 
to get food and water to those who are stranded, now is not the time to 
point fingers or assign blame. There will be plenty of time to assess 
the government's response after the rescue and evacuation process has 
been completed. Let's get the job done and then make the necessary 
assessment.
  Another painful effect of the storm is the steep rise in gasoline 
prices. Increased prices are hammering working families with little to 
no relief in sight. The Federal Government can do very little other 
than releasing the oil from the Strategic Petroleum Reserve and 
prosecuting price gouging. It comes down to supply and demand. Demand 
remains high and the supply has been significantly reduced by Hurricane 
Katrina. We must continue to work diligently to repair the oil 
platforms and refineries that have been damaged, and Congress will--
with the state attorneys general--keep a close eye on any potential 
price gouging.
  Mr. Speaker, I again want to thank the leadership of the House for 
considering this legislation during this special session today. I know 
that we will continue to work on a bipartisan basis to fully address 
the needs of the communities that have been so horribly afflicted by 
Hurricane Katrina.

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