I want to acknowledge our Chairperson here and how, from the very first days of this catastrophe, the leadership of this Committee, along with Senator Kerry, has been focused on exactly what the Chairman said.

I just ask this Committee to be broad in our view as opposed to narrow and see how we can really reach out.

I believe as a Member of this Committee that the Small Business Administration is very well poised through existing programs that we have as well as new things that our Committee should explore.

Today, I introduced a comprehensive legislative package called the 'Louisiana Katrina Reconstruction Act' that will help rebuild Louisiana's economy and our infrastructure.

I raise that, Madam Chair, not out of any criticism but just to say how huge this is and how much faster we have to go.

We have to have a system where their families are moved to a safe place days before the storm.

I particularly want to thank this Chair and Senator Kerry and the Members of this Committee who have stepped forward to put an extraordinary amendment on the CJS bill.

As Senator Kerry said, there are over 200,000 small businesses and counting that have been directly affected.

If one person criticizes them or says one more thing, including the president of the United States, he will hear from me.

I want to thank the president. He will be here tomorrow, we think. And the military is sending assets as we speak.

Anderson, tonight, I don't know if you've heard -- maybe you all have announced it -- but Congress is going to an unprecedented session to pass a $10 billion supplemental bill tonight to keep FEMA and the Red Cross up and operating.

Anderson, there will be plenty of time to discuss all of those issues, about why, and how, and what, and if. But, Anderson, as you understand, and all of the producers and directors of CNN, and the news networks, this situation is very…

I'm just expressing that it is so important for everyone in this nation to pull together, for all military assets and all assets to be brought to bare in this situation.

We need a lot of help. And the Congress has been wonderful to help us, and we need more help.

Let me just say a few things. Thank President Clinton and former President Bush for their strong statements of support and comfort today. I thank all the leaders that are coming to Louisiana, and Mississippi, and Alabama to our help and…

LANDRIEU: Anderson, I have the anger inside of me. Most of the homes in my family have been destroyed. Our homes have been destroyed. I understand what you're saying, and I know all of those details.

Tonight, the Senate will pass a belated, but heartfelt and very sincere apology.

I remain very concerned that we are adding the entire cost of this supplemental to the deficit.

I voted against President Bush's request for authority to take military action in Iraq.

I would just caution you to take the issue of accountability very seriously.

I do want to say to Mayor Williams and to our Council, that the progress the District has made is indisputable.

I think it is clear to most that no matter how efficient the District is, no matter how competent the leadership of the city is--and I think we have very competent leadership--that there is still a difference between the capacity of the…

There is still a structural imbalance.

I am looking forward, Mr. Chairman, to working with you to explore the options that are before us for the benefits of the residents.

Part of it, Mr. Chairman, is driven by the fact that the city is here, living, co-existing in a way with the Federal Government.