H.R. 3673, The Second Supplemental for Hurricane Katrina

H.R. 3673, THE SECOND SUPPLEMENTAL FOR HURRICANE KATRINA -- (Extensions of Remarks - September 08, 2005)

SPEECH OF
HON. MICHAEL M. HONDA
OF CALIFORNIA
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 8, 2005

Mr. HONDA. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support for H.R. 3673, the Second Emergency Supplemental Appropriations for Hurricane Katrina Response. This measure provides an additional $51.8 billion for hurricane relief, with $50 billion of that for relief and cleanup activities by the Federal Emergency Management Agency, FEMA, $1.4 billion for hurricane-related activities by the military, and $400 million for the Army Corps of Engineers for restoration work on navigation locks and for channel dredging.

We have all been moved by the devastation wrought by Hurricane Katrina, and we must now all pull together to help those who are facing the greatest challenges in their attempts to recover and respond to Katrina's wake. In times of hardship, Americans come together to help each other. Time is of the essence, and each of us must do what we can to respond to this natural catastrophe.

Once the deadly threat posed by Hurricane Katrina became apparent, Democratic Leader NANCY PELOSI publicly called for a special session of Congress to get to work and send relief to the victims struggling in the Gulf Coast. I was pleased that Republican leadership finally answered Leader PELOSI's call and convened the U.S. Congress to pass a $10.5 billion emergency supplemental spending bill for the people suffering in Louisiana, Mississippi, and Alabama.

Today we will pass an additional $51.8 billion in the Second Emergency Supplemental for Hurricane Katrina. While these funds are much needed they are coming before us today on the suspension calendar which does not allow us adequate time for debate or an opportunity to add important amendments. Hurricane Katrina is clearly the worst natural disaster in U.S. history, and we are missing the opportunity to address some critical issues, such as creating a commission to investigate the federal response to this disaster and making FEMA an independent agency.

Mr. Speaker, the Congress must provide leadership in helping those displaced by the hurricane to rebuild their lives and communities out of the wreckage left in Katrina's wake. In the weeks and months ahead, Congress will consider additional spending measures to aid victims of the hurricane. As Americans, we have pulled together through tragedies in the past, and I know that we will demonstrate that same unity in overcoming the devastating effects of Hurricane Katrina.

http://thomas.loc.gov