[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 111 (Thursday, September 8, 2005)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1806]
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. BETTY McCOLLUM

                              of minnesota

                    in the house of representatives

                       Friday, September 2, 2005

  Ms. McCOLLUM of Minnesota. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of the 
Emergency Supplemental Appropriations Act to Meet Immediate Needs 
Arising From the Consequences of Hurricane Katrina, 2005 (H.R. 3645) 
and of the decision to call this special session to send resources to 
Louisiana, Mississippi and Alabama quickly.
  The thoughts and prayers of all Americans go out to the citizens of 
the states and communities devastated by Hurricane Katrina. The entire 
country has watched the images of the destruction caused by this 
natural disaster with shock and sadness. Those who have lost loved 
ones, their homes and their communities must receive immediate aid and 
the legislation we are passing today will start that process.
  As we respond to the immediate needs of the families displaced by 
this tragic natural disaster, the citizens of Louisiana, Mississippi 
and Alabama also have my commitment that I will work with you to 
rebuild New Orleans and the rest of the Gulf Coast. The impacts of this 
disaster on families, communities, the economy, and the environment 
will be long lasting. It will take resolve and commitment to ensure 
that we complete this enormous task.
  The American spirit and the generosity of our citizens will be there 
for the victims of this tragedy. The first responder in this effort, 
however, must be the federal government--both for immediate needs and 
for long term rebuilding. Today is a critical first step in that effort 
and I am pleased to support this bill.

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