[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 111 (Thursday, September 8, 2005)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1799]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                 H.R. 3673--SUPPLEMENTAL APPROPRIATION

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                          HON. THOMAS E. PETRI

                              of wisconsin

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, September 8, 2005

  Mr. PETRI. Mr. Speaker, in less than a week, we will have passed 
supplementals providing over $60 billion in emergency aid to respond to 
the devastation caused by Hurricane Katrina. We have been told we are 
spending about $2 billion a day in hurricane response efforts. We all 
want to care for those who have suffered damaged homes and those who 
have been left homeless, many with literally only the shirts on their 
backs, by this terrible storm. I realize many face an uncertain future 
with unemployment gone and only questions remaining.
  At the same time, $60 billion spent over 6 weeks creates an 
opportunity for waste and unwise spending decisions. I want the funds 
to go to those who need it and those who have and continue to suffer. 
But we also owe it to our constituents--and indeed perhaps even more to 
Katrina's victims--that these funds be spent based on careful 
consideration of what is needed and what is the best and most 
effective--and cost effective--method for achieving our goals.
  Chairman Lewis has stressed the accountability provisions included in 
the bill. The Inspector General of the Homeland Security Department 
will be monitoring the expenditure of these funds. The Appropriations 
Committee will receive weekly reports on how the funds are allocated.
  We all want to respond to this disaster in the most compassionate way 
possible. But we also have an obligation as elected officials to ensure 
that funds we spend are carefully considered, used for true critical 
and emergency functions, and spent wisely.
  Once all are out of harms way with immediate needs met, I hope that 
we will slow down and move forward in a deliberative way as we consider 
continued response and, most importantly, long-term plans for 
rebuilding the Gulf Coast. We will be held accountable, as we should 
be, for the investment of the funds. While the American people want us 
to be generous, there are many hard decisions ahead. It is incumbent on 
all of us in the Congress to ensure that we invest our taxpayer dollars 
in the most responsible way.

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