Ileana Ros-Lehtinen: “I recognize that FEMA's immediate focus is to provide relief for the victims in the Gulf States, but I take this time to…”

“I recognize that FEMA's immediate focus is to provide relief for the victims in the Gulf States, but I take this time to ask the agency to reconsider its decision to deny South Florida individual assistance in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina. As my Florida colleagues and I stated in a letter to the FEMA director, he has the authority to provide such assistance and I urge him promptly to do so. I commend our Governor, Jeb Bush, for his efforts in deploying personnel and equipment to the impacted States, and I especially applaud his strong actions against price gouging. Members of Florida's extensive team of emergency response vessel crews, search and rescue teams, National Guardsmen and emergency management officials will continue to deploy from Florida to support operations in the impacted areas. These efforts represent Florida's largest State-to-State assistance in history. South Florida was devastated by Hurricane Andrew 13 years ago. We understand how long it will take for these Gulf State victims to recover economically, physically, and emotionally. Mr. Speaker, it is with a heavy heart that I rise today to speak about the devastation of Hurricane Katrina. I come from an area and a State that knows first hand the tragedy and suffering that can be caused by a hurricane of the magnitude of Katrina. It is therefore from within this deep understanding that we extend our thoughts and prayers to all whose lives have been affected by this deadly disaster.…”