[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 151 (2005), Part 15]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 20336]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




        ON HURRICANE KATRINA AND THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT RESPONSE

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. FORTNEY PETE STARK

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                     Wednesday, September 14, 2005

  Mr. STARK. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to note that failure of 
leadership and gross incompetence of key officials has led to thousands 
of unnecessary deaths. To then take this tragedy and attempt to blame 
the victims, or suggest that they're taking advantage of the situation, 
is beneath contempt.
  The catastrophe on the Gulf Coast shows how vulnerable this country 
is because of unaccountable, ineffective leadership; a weakened, over-
stretched government; and rising poverty and economic dislocation.
  The only way to make good of the horrors of this hurricane and the 
bungled response is to heed the lessons offered:
  Some jobs require more than good intentions and the President's 
trust. It is inexcusable that people with no emergency management 
experience fill top positions at the Federal Emergency Management 
Agency.
  Four years after 9/11, we are no better equipped to save lives in an 
emergency. Our domestic infrastructure and readiness have paid a severe 
price in favor of fighting two wars while cutting taxes.
  We cannot rely solely on local governments and charities. A strong, 
well-funded federal government is critical.
  If government fails, millions of impoverished Americans are as 
vulnerable to natural disasters as people in the poorest countries of 
the world. The horrific photographs of the aftermath of the hurricane 
make that point all too clear. Meeting all Americans' health care, 
education, job training, and housing needs should be at the top of our 
agenda every day, not just in response to a disaster.
  I hope that the crisis of conscience brought by coverage of this 
hurricane will convince everyone in Congress and around the country to 
do their part to change the reckless policies that have exacerbated 
this disaster.

                          ____________________