Mitch Landrieu: “I rise following my colleague from Mississippi, to associate myself with his remarks. I see my colleague, Senator…”

“I rise following my colleague from Mississippi, to associate myself with his remarks. I see my colleague, Senator Vitter, on the Senate floor, and Senator Cochran is not too far away. This is a crucial vote for those of us along the gulf coast who have faced not just two killer storms but multiple levee breaks that have put this great economy of the Nation's only energy coast at risk. While we would not design the bill this way if left up to the four of us who have been negotiating this package with the help of many of our colleagues through the process, I add my voice to say it is imperative that we get this $29 billion of direct aid, not to FEMA but directly to our Governors and to our people to give them hope that this region can be rebuilt. Without this, it will be impossible, and they cannot wait another day. I thank my Senate colleagues. The PRESIDING OFFICER. Who yields time?”