Washington, D.C. - Mr. Speaker, I rise to extend my deepest condolences to the victims of Hurricane Katrina, who lost their lives, their homes, their communities, and their livelihoods. My thoughts and prayers are with them and their families.
I have been very disappointed in what appears to have been a slow federal response to this disaster. In addition, many appeared to have ignored warnings over the years about the potential vulnerabilities and the steps that could be taken to prepare for this situation.
It is my hope that we can come together on a bipartisan basis and work to review and assess the adequacy of the early federal, state, and local preparedness. We must also continue to focus on providing immediate assistance to those in need. I am pleased that the Congress convened on an emergency basis to provide more than 10 billion dollars for disaster relief efforts and trust we are providing an additional $52 billion today. In addition, I have been working with federal, state, and local officials to ensure that Maryland does everything it can to support the relief efforts. The State of Maryland has dispatched members of its National Guard and Montgomery County has dispatched search and rescue squad personnel. Other local governments are actively exploring ways that they can help. I am especially proud of the people throughout our community and country for their outpouring of support for those whose lives have been shattered by Hurricane Katrina. They have opened their arms, their homes, and their pocketbooks.
Mr. Speaker, while the enormity of this tragedy is overwhelming, I am confident that a spirit of determination and generosity will ensure that we will rebuild and endure. Our strength as a nation will be evident in the days to come as communities throughout our country unite to provide assistance to those in need.