Julian Bond: “It has been made clear to our colleagues and to the people viewing this that before major disaster relief can start…”

“It has been made clear to our colleagues and to the people viewing this that before major disaster relief can start flowing, there has to be damage assessments. I guess it is the understanding of the majority leader that they are at least 2 weeks away from getting the damage assessments. The State has to have a plan submitted and approved by the Federal Emergency Management Agency. Dollars then go to the State from FEMA and from the Department of Housing and Urban Development. Is it the clear understanding that this is a long process which is not being held up during this day or tomorrow, but the money is needed, and we will provide it? But the time required to get the plans in place still has not been completed. Is that the understanding?”