Joseph Cao: “Madam Speaker, I rise today in support of House Resolution 1583 offered by my good friend and colleague from Louisiana…”

“Madam Speaker, I rise today in support of House Resolution 1583 offered by my good friend and colleague from Louisiana, Dr. Boustany. House Resolution 1583 observes the fifth anniversary of the devastation and destruction caused by Hurricane Rita. On September 24, 2005, Hurricane Rita made landfall along the Louisiana and Texas border as a category 3 hurricane. Rita's landfall was less than 1 month after Hurricane Katrina had ravaged multiple areas along the Gulf Coast, including in Louisiana's Orleans and Jefferson Parishes, which I represent. Following the heroic work of first responders, our Armed Forces, and countless volunteers in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, New Orleans was unbelievably scheduled to reopen on September 19. Hurricane Rita's approach, however, made that impossible, and instead the city once again was vulnerable. Levees surrounding New Orleans were damaged extensively by Hurricane Katrina, and were far from repaired. Thousands of blue FEMA tarps remained atop roofs throughout the city, offering only provisional or temporary protection.”