John Cornyn: “I, too, rise in an expression of sympathy to the victims of Hurricane Katrina and to convey my deep gratitude to the…”

“I, too, rise in an expression of sympathy to the victims of Hurricane Katrina and to convey my deep gratitude to the many people who are working in ongoing relief efforts. As we gather here today, thousands of people throughout the South are struggling to recover from one of this Nation's greatest natural disasters. Really, if you think about it, it is a disaster that continues to unfold. With the public health issues, the sustenance-of- human-life issues, the needs that need to be met on a daily basis, this disaster, the full extent of it, is not yet even known. As we all know, Hurricane Katrina hit the gulf coast on Monday, August 29, leaving in its wake destruction and devastation. The loss of life is incalculable at this time. The city of New Orleans lies in ruin, and residents of Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, and Florida are struggling today to meet their most basic needs--shelter, food, clean water, and medical care. This Congress has appropriated, on an emergency basis, more than $10 billion to help meet the most immediate needs of these victims of this disaster. But, obviously, there is more that needs to be done. Thousands of Americans now face the daunting task of rebuilding their lives. I am proud to report the people of my State of Texas are doing their part, welcoming literally almost a quarter of a million people with open arms.…”