Bill Clinton: “I am bewildered. I don't understand why we are turning the people of the gulf coast into second-class citizens. After…”

“I am bewildered. I don't understand why we are turning the people of the gulf coast into second-class citizens. After 9/11, in addition to the normal disaster relief funds provided in the wake of that tragedy, the Federal Government designated $20 billion to assist the New York City area. This was the first time FEMA received authority of this type to reimburse the city and the State for associated costs that could not otherwise have received money under the Stafford Act. This was an unusual action taken at an unusual time. We had the strong support of then-chairman of the Environment and Public Works Committee, Senator Jeffords, because 9/11 happened in that window when the Democrats were in the majority in the Senate. Chairman Jeffords stood with us to make sure we got what we needed without discriminating against New York City, without telling New Yorkers: You are just going to have to figure out how you are going to repay it, when you are not even sure there is another attack coming or what is going to be occurring in the future. Mr. President, we are again facing an unusual time. Hurricane Katrina, and then, of course, Hurricane Rita, devastated New Orleans and the surrounding areas. The people of this region deserve our full support. Instead of providing that support and helping these communities meet their needs, the proposal before us actually restricts their access to funds by preventing them from using principal forgiveness authorities that are part of current law.…”