[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 111 (Thursday, September 8, 2005)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1809]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                     STATEMENT ON HURRICANE KATRINA

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. LORETTA SANCHEZ

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, September 8, 2005

  Ms. LORETTA SANCHEZ of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to offer 
my heartfelt sympathy to the people in the Gulf Coast area who have 
been so profoundly affected by Hurricane Katrina. The loss of lives, 
property, and livelihoods is a shocking tragedy, the full extent of 
which is only starting to be known.
  The number one priority now must be safeguarding and improving the 
lives of the hundreds of thousands of people who have been evacuated 
from their homes, or whose homes have been damaged or destroyed. We 
must ensure that all people affected by this disaster have food, water, 
shelter, clothing, and healthcare. To achieve this, the government must 
commit to fast tracking needed public services like unemployment 
insurance and compensation, food stamps and Medicaid. In addition, we 
must be prepared to provide ongoing support through housing loans, job 
information networks, and aid to school districts that will enroll 
evacuated students. These measures are critical in helping people as 
they start to put their lives back together.
  The tragedy of Hurricane Katrina was compounded by a sluggish 
response by the Federal Government that trapped people in harm's way, 
and failed to provide them with the basic necessities of food and 
water. I believe that the Department of Homeland Security and the 
President must ultimately account for the failure in preparing for this 
disaster in an efficient and comprehensive manner. As a member of the 
Committee on Homeland Security, I am dedicated to finding solutions to 
the systemic problems in DHS, as evidenced by its weak initial relief 
efforts in response to the devastation wrought by Hurricane Katrina.
  Despite the substantial problems that plagued the relief effort, the 
rescuers on the ground performed 47,300 life-saving rescues, and 
managed to find shelter for 235,200 people whose homes were damaged or 
destroyed. As the first responders continue working in the Gulf Coast, 
our thoughts and good wishes, and those of the entire Nation are with 
them. In Orange County, CA, I am proud to say our communities are doing 
their part. There are numerous efforts to assist the people affected by 
this disaster. Mr. Frank Garcia of the La Casa Garcia of Anaheim and 
volunteers from Orange County, CA, are traveling right now to Texas to 
set up a kitchen to help feed the evacuees. I am confident that the 
generosity of the American people will continue and grow. We have all 
been touched by the pain and shock of this disaster. And I hope that 
this outpouring of support and solidarity will help the people of the 
Gulf Coast to rebuild their lives and give them hope for a better 
future.

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