Patrick Leahy: “I want to take a moment, on behalf of myself, my fellow Vermonters and Americans across this country, to express our…”

“I want to take a moment, on behalf of myself, my fellow Vermonters and Americans across this country, to express our heartfelt gratitude for the outpouring of generosity by more than 90 countries and international organizations that have offered assistance to the recovery efforts after Hurricane Katrina. The United States is coping with devastation and destruction on a scale not seen in our lifetimes. It has been shocking and sobering to see how woefully unprepared our Government was to help the victims of this disaster. The chaotic response has also raised serious concerns about the adequacy of our preparedness to respond to terrorist attacks, despite the many billions of dollars the Department of Homeland Security has spent since 9/11. Yet if there is a silver lining in such a disaster it is that it unites Americans and it unites the world in the common cause of alleviating suffering. A massive relief effort is underway, albeit belatedly, involving everyone from the Coast Guard to the Red Cross to private citizens who are rescuing people who were stranded and caring for those who lost their homes and possessions. Organizations such as the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, the World Food Program, World Health Organization, UNICEF and the U.N. High Commissioner for Refugees have all contributed personnel and resources to help in the recovery.…”