Porter Goss: “this funding is real money that will bring real relief to the people in Florida who have been devastated by Hurricanes…”

“this funding is real money that will bring real relief to the people in Florida who have been devastated by Hurricanes Charley and Frances and who need help. As Governor Bush said to us, we have developed a case, perhaps, of ``hurricane amnesia'' in recent years in Florida. We certainly no longer have that. In my district alone, Charley severely damaged homes, four hospitals, cut a barrier island in two, left thousands without power, left thousands without employment, changing life forever for some people. Just 3 weeks later, another massive hurricane slammed many of the same areas that had already been wrecked by Charley. Charlotte Harbor was hit twice hard. As I took stock of the devastation one day after Hurricane Charley hit, I found remarkable the terrible damage, the scale of destruction, and how people's lives were affected. But I was more impressed by the response, local, State and Federal, all working together; and it was hot, and it was miserable. It was amazing to see how well they were doing. And they are still there. This ordeal has consumed the entire State of Florida, and Governor Bush has been steadfast in these times of crisis and we thank him. I commend and thank him especially for his strong leadership not once but twice; and I pray not for a third time, and hope Ivan will go elsewhere. Our Senators Bob Graham and Bill Nelson also have done a fabulous job.…”