Frank Lautenberg: “I want to take some time to review the situation we have seen in front of us for the last week. It was a terrible week…”

“I want to take some time to review the situation we have seen in front of us for the last week. It was a terrible week for our country. One only had to listen to the eloquent remarks given by the Senator from Louisiana, Ms. Landrieu. She described in very moving words and tones what kinds of things she personally witnessed and that went on in the State of Louisiana, particularly New Orleans. We all have to learn from that experience. We have to be ready for any eventuality. The American people watched in horror and disbelief as this incredible tragedy played out on live television in Louisiana, Mississippi, and Alabama. For most of us, it was from the safety of our homes or businesses that we watched with horror our fellow Americans suffering unbelievable loss and pain. The worst part is, as we watched this tragedy evolve, with thousands being displaced from their homes and families, without a significant response, why did they suffer so long before appropriate action was put into place? That is because the Federal Government was not prepared. How could the administration not have been prepared for this? We had advance warning that a major disaster was looming. We see this picture. It tells you what is happening. Sunday, August 28, the swirl of the wind and the ferocity of the action is almost enough to frighten you just looking at this picture. August 28, Sunday, Katrina became a massive hurricane, a category 5.…”