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Jefferson Reacts to Katrina Legislation in Budget and Defense Bills

Date: Dec. 19, 2005
Location: Washington, DC
Issues: Defense


December 19, 2005

Jefferson Reacts to Katrina Legislation in Budget and Defense Bills

Washington, DC - U.S. Representative William Jefferson (D-LA) released the following statement in response to the House of Representatives finalizing Katrina legislation in the Budget and Defense bills, wrapping up the 1st session of the 109th Congress:

"I am very pleased to see funding included in the last round of legislation to provide money for our levees, increased revenue for Louisiana from oil drilling, and healthcare services for Katrina victims.

"Last week, our President pledged to fund projects to restore and improve our levees and early this morning, Congress responded with $2.9 billion to repair and upgrade the levees and a commitment to provide $7 billion in the future for hurricane protection projects. This commitment shows a strong sense of Congress to bring New Orleans back stronger than ever. And, in that vain, our residents and businesses can be confident to return and re-invest in our community.

"The creation of a new Gulf Coast Recovery and Disaster Prevention Fund will provide much needed additional revenue streams to fund hurricane and flood protection, coastal restoration and construction of hurricane evacuation routes. Louisiana's 50 percent share is a much-needed boost and, certainly appropriate as we currently receive no funds from the $5 to $8 billion in oil drilling revenue we generate for the federal government.

"Finally, the budget reconciliation bill included a provision introduced by myself and Mr. Dingell of Michigan which provides $2.1 billion in Hurricane Katrina health care relief. This expansion in Medicaid eligibility, to provide coverage for Katrina victims, will greatly assist those hardest hit by this catastrophe.

"I look forward to the continued support of my colleagues as we move into the next session and continue to work to improve the lives of those so drastically affected by this year's hurricane season."

http://www.house.gov/apps/list/press/la02_jefferson/SessionEnd.html

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