Political Quotes

“earlier this week I traveled with former Presidents Bush and Clinton to Houston and met countless hurricane survivors who shared heart-wrenching stories about their experiences. Too many of the hurricane survivors have lost their jobs, their homes, and for some, beloved friends and family members. Hurricane Katrina served as another important reminder of man's inability to control the wrath of Mother Nature. Yet, our response to such calamitous events is completely within our control. Hurricane Katrina was the first disaster, the Nation's emergency response to Hurricane Katrina was the second disaster. We have all watched TV reports of residents stranded, abandoned really, without food or water and medical care, while those charged with emergency response delayed and fumbled their duties. Many of the sick and elderly were left behind at the makeshift hospital inside the New Orleans airport, and others faced uncertainties regarding their own medical care while staying at temporary shelters in Houston. The Nation's generous outpouring of support for the survivors of Hurricane Katrina is heart-warming. Yet, many of those who would volunteer their services have been thwarted by bureaucratic red tape from antiquated laws and regulations. My own office has received numerous complaints from constituents whose offers of service were refused.…”