[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 110 (Wednesday, September 7, 2005)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1772]
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. MICHAEL N. CASTLE

                              of delaware

                    in the house of representatives

                       Friday, September 2, 2005

  Mr. CASTLE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 3645 to 
provide emergency supplemental appropriations to meet the immediate 
needs arising from the consequences of Hurricane Katrina. But more 
importantly, I rise today in support of the hundreds of thousands of 
men, women and children who are suffering throughout the Gulf Coast 
States as a result of what has been called our Nation's greatest 
natural disaster, Hurricane Katrina. I know I speak for all of my 
colleagues when I say our prayers are with each and everyone of them as 
they struggle through these extremely difficult and life threatening 
times.
  The supplemental legislation we are approving today is absolutely 
critical to continue the infusion of federal funding into this area. 
News agencies have reported the cost of this disaster to be around $500 
million a day. The $10.5 billion in federal funding we are approving 
today should be viewed as a down payment in terms of funding and 
resources to come in the following months. I am confident these 
resources will be used efficiently and effectively, helping those most 
in need and importantly, helping to support emergency protective 
measures as well as debris removal and rehabilitation.
  The Federal Emergency Management Agency should be recognized for its 
response to this disaster and their organization of food, water, 
medical supplies, generators, shelter and other items to help those who 
have been displaced due to Hurricane Katrina. And the Department of 
Defense and National Guard should be recognized for the deployment of 
military personnel who are helping communities respond to this crisis.
  I know personally that every State is pooling their resources and is 
doing all it can to help these victims in the Gulf Coast area. For 
example in my home State of Delaware, we have deployed National Guard 
troops and planes to help at Ground Zero and in the surrounding 
disaster areas; Delaware State University is waiving tuition for Tulane 
University students to attend class; my office is working with the Food 
Bank of Delaware to start a Hunger Drive for those in need; local 
schools are collecting monetary donations to send to the victims; and, 
Delmarva Power is sending workers to restore electricity in the region. 
But I am confident we can reach even deeper and partner together to 
help our fellow Americans.
  It is always in times of tragedy--like the terrorist attacks of 
September 11, 2001 or the Tsunami this past December in Southeast 
Asia--where human decency and patriotism is front and center. We need 
to muster the same resources and patriotism and provide the same help 
to the victims of Hurricane Katrina.
  I am hopeful the Federal Government will continue to respond in a way 
that is appropriate, action oriented and immediate to the Gulf Coast 
Region. As I have said, the funding we are approving today, is just the 
beginning. I expect a more comprehensive package to reach the House 
Floor in the coming weeks, once more precise estimates are understood.
  These are very sad and trying times. May God Bless those in need and 
their families.

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