[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 151 (2005), Part 14]
[House]
[Page 19557]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                 WORKING TOGETHER TO FIX WHAT IS WRONG

  (Mr. STEARNS asked and was given permission to address the House for 
1 minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)
  Mr. STEARNS. Mr. Speaker, we have all seen the horrors left in the 
wake of Hurricane Katrina over the past week. Yet, in the midst of this 
chaos and destruction, the American people, once again, demonstrated 
their compassion for those left with nothing. The American people and 
people from all over the world have opened not only their wallets, but 
also their homes, cities and schools. This compassion has not been 
limited to Americans alone. Over 70 countries have offered their 
assistance as well.
  Now, a great deal of criticism has been leveled against the Federal 
Government's response, and much of it may be deserved. But there is 
also a level of criticism due to local and State governments, too. 
Allowing New Orleans to turn into something out of the Wild West where 
anarchy reins is inexcusable, and all levels of government need to see 
what was done wrong. In the meantime, we must work together to ensure 
that the necessary resources are available.

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