We can help them in Congress in any number of ways.

I would also thank the Committee for allowing Randy Noel, a representative of the Louisiana Homebuilders to testify today.

As homeowners nationwide face possible health and environmental risks from Chinese-made drywall products, it is my hope that the oversight of this Committee will again spur action on an important issue facing impacted consumers.

He himself has testified to me that the door hinges and shower heads and metal objects in his home are turning black. They are corroding inside of the home.

it is an important job to get done and get done correctly.

But, because I am chairing a Small Business hearing at the same time, let me just say, Mr. Chairman, that I have received numerous, numerous contacts to my office, given that we believe that the State of Louisiana, has second to Florida…

this government has to do all it can to help small businesses get through this tough time.

Thank you Chairman Rockefeller and Ranking Member Hutchison, for calling this oversight hearing on the health and product safety issues related to foreign manufactured drywall products.

As the chair of the Senate Small Business Committee, and as a member of this appropriations subcommittee, I was never consulted or notified about the exemption language which was added in conference.

We thank Senators Nelson and Landrieu for bringing attention to the issue through the introduction of S. 739, the Drywall Safety Act of 2009.

This should be the money that has not been spent yet, this is the main thing it should go to is, really, well-revamped appeals.

You are testifying that we do not yet have such an equitable way.

And how much money did the State get in the first tranche? Mississippi got its $5.5 billion and how much did Louisiana got?

That is what I hope the outcome of this hearing will be, to try to find some specific suggestions along those line.

It has been really terrific testimony that you have provided.

Well, I think that is very important for people to really grasp the challenge here.

I think that our family story is very similar to thousands and thousands and thousands.

How would you suggest Congress equitably allocate that funding to make sure that Mississippi receives its fair share?

Hurricane Katrina is far from over.

Those funds need to continue to be targeted at those individuals.

So the Mississippi money came in one tranche. Two tranches? What was your first?

I am familiar with that arbitrary cap placed on allocations to States by Congress.

I want to commend you for having this hearing today on the role of the CDBG program in disaster recovery.

I do not think there is a governor, other than Governor Barbour--because this was his experience, so I can personally understand how you believe this.

And I would second that and really ask HUD to listen carefully to the Texas situation.