[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 111 (Thursday, September 8, 2005)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1804]
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. BART STUPAK

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                       Friday, September 2, 2005

  Mr. STUPAK. Mr. Speaker, my deepest sympathies are with those 
families who are affected by the worst natural disaster our country has 
ever seen. I also extend my gratitude to those first responders, 
members of the U.S. Coast Guard, the National Guard, and U.S. Army 
Corps of Engineers for their aid and assistance in relief and recovery 
efforts.
  Like the rest of America, I was extremely frustrated and angered with 
the lack of preparedness and timely response by the Federal Government. 
This was an instance where the system failed. Five days after the 
hurricane, thousands were still without food, shelter and clothing. We 
saw on television grueling pictures of our most needy: the poor, 
elderly, and children stranded in unbelievable conditions. Many 
Americans, Democrats and Republicans alike--even President Bush 
himself--have recognized that the initial federal response was ``not 
acceptable''.
  New Orleans is the only major American city below sea level, and it 
is wedged between Lake Pontchartrain and the Mississippi River. In the 
case of a bad hurricane hitting, experts have said for some time now, 
that the city could ``fill up like a cereal bowl, killing tens of 
thousands and laying waste to the city's architectural heritage.'' 
Despite speculation that a disaster of this magnitude could occur in 
this region, the President's recent budgets have actually proposed to 
reduce funding for flood prevention in the New Orleans area.
  In June 2004, Walter Maestri, emergency management chief for 
Jefferson Parish, fretted to The Times-Picayune in New Orleans: ``It 
appears that the money has been moved in the President's budget to 
handle homeland security and the war in Iraq, and I suppose that's the 
price we pay. Nobody locally is happy that the levees can't be 
finished, and we are doing everything we can to make the case that this 
is a security issue for us.''
  With hundreds of millions of dollars and 40 percent of our National 
Guard already dedicated to the War in Iraq, Katrina is a glaring 
example of the question of whether or not we are able to effectively 
handle problems that arise here at home.
  While this is most certainly concerning, the important thing right 
now, is ensuring that the Federal Government is doing everything 
humanly possible to help the victims of this catastrophe. As this 
crisis continues, our first priority must be to provide those affected 
with basic human needs.
  Looking to the days and weeks ahead, Congress also needs to 
investigate the lack of response of government and look into what 
hampered relief efforts at the most critical time. In this regard, 
particular focus should be placed on the organization of DHS and FEMA.
  Again, it is clear that there was a lack of adequate preparedness and 
response. I had concerns during the creation of the Department of 
Homeland Security (DHS) about whether it was appropriate to fold this 
vital agency for national emergency preparedness into DHS, rather than 
leave it as an independent agency.
  I voted against the inclusion of FEMA into the Department of Homeland 
Security back in 2002. My concerns in this instance may have been well 
founded, as FEMA's initial response was lacking at best and failed to 
deliver urgently needed help.
  I have joined with Congressman Dingell to introduce legislation to 
remove FEMA from DHS so it will once again be an independent agency 
with cabinet-level status. The bill also requires that the Director of 
FEMA be an emergency management professional, and creates two deputy 
directors--one responsible for natural disasters and the other 
responsible for terrorism related disasters with each required to have 
significant experience related to their positions.
  While this legislation would be a start in addressing concerns of the 
American people about the handling of emergency situations, the fact 
remains that it is still the responsibility of the appropriate agencies 
to have comprehensive plans in place beforehand in order to avoid the 
situation we are currently finding ourselves in.
  At this time, we don't have all of the answers as to why relief and 
recovery efforts fell short. One thing we do know is this national 
tragedy in the Gulf States highlights the importance of the ability of 
our first responders to communicate in the event of a national 
emergency. Public safety, government and military leaders have all said 
that the inability of local, State, and Federal agencies to communicate 
was a major obstacle that made the crisis worse. As President Bush said 
after September 11th, the ability for first responders to communicate 
is critical in the hours after a crisis. Unfortunately, it has been 4 
years since September 11th, and clearly we have made little progress in 
addressing our first responders' communications needs. I call on 
Congress to make a real commitment to the public safety officers who 
are working so bravely and diligently to help the victims of this 
national disaster.
  Finally, I was very pleased Congress acted quickly to pass the $10.5 
billion emergency supplemental bill. This is an important first step in 
the effort to provide direct relief. We are now hearing that the 
devastation thIs deadly storm has left in its path may cost upwards of 
$40 billion. That is equal to the funding provided in the emergency 
supplemental bill passed after the September 11th terrorist attacks. 
Congress must provide whatever is necessary to help our Southern 
friends.
  It is a travesty that here in America we have seen our own citizens 
affected by Hurricane Katrina suffer without the basic necessities 
required for survival, including food, water, clothing and shelter. 
However, communities across our country are coming together to help 
provide much needed assistance. The Mayor of Detroit, Michigan, has 
announced that Detroit will provide transportation to the Detroit 
region, temporary housing, food, and even open their schools and 
provide counseling for the victims. This is just one example of many 
across our Nation where the American people are pulling together and 
showing an outpouring of generosity and regard for humanity.
  My thoughts and prayers are with all of those who have suffered 
throughout this tragedy. My colleagues and I in Congress must and will 
do whatever is in our power to assist the ongoing rescue and relief 
efforts.

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