Joe Pitts: “in the wake of Hurricane Katrina, our prayers are with the families who are still displaced, those who have lost loved…”

“in the wake of Hurricane Katrina, our prayers are with the families who are still displaced, those who have lost loved ones, and those who have yet to locate friends and family. Last week we offered a $10.5 billion down payment on a long-term rebuilding effort, and I hope this initial commitment will send a clear message to the victims that the American people stand ready to help during their time of need. But I am concerned about politics. I have been around long enough to recognize opportunism when I see it. Some Democrats are already using this opportunity to impugn the integrity of the President with blame and finger-pointing. Though it is appropriate to determine what went wrong, I am afraid that they may have another agenda. Now is the time for all of us to work together to help those in need. Lest we forget who they are, here is a hint: They do not work here in the Capitol, they do not run for political office, they live in refugee camps in a dozen States because their homes and lives were destroyed by Katrina. ____________________”