Lynn C. Woolsey: “I want to express my sorrow for the tragedy that has struck the people of Louisiana, Mississippi, and Alabama; but I…”

“I want to express my sorrow for the tragedy that has struck the people of Louisiana, Mississippi, and Alabama; but I also want to express my sorrow that we are not learning from this tragedy. Have we not seen firsthand this week just how much help is needed for the most vulnerable people in our Nation? We are seeing it as they are victims of Katrina: the elderly, the disabled, the poor, particularly children. Of course, we must do everything we can to help overcome the challenges in the short term. But we must also address the long-term needs of the most vulnerable in this Nation. This bill is short term. I will support it, but it leaves so very much undone. Of course, we need to give States immediate access to funds, funds that they otherwise would not have received until October 1. We need to provide emergency funds for Louisiana, Mississippi, and Alabama; and we need to reimburse other States for emergency cash assistance that they are providing for evacuees. This bill does those things. But there are many things it does not do. For example, it does not address the pressing needs of children in foster care, the unemployed and parents who need child care, and it does not address child care needs that are even more critical than ever for parents of young children, parents who are trying to find jobs.…”