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Subcommittee Action Needed to Ensure
Adequate Response to Katrina
For Immediate Release - September 6, 2005

(WASHINGTON, DC) Rep. Jim McDermott (D-WA), Ranking Democrat on the Human Resources Subcommittee, today urged the committee chairman to schedule immediate hearings in Washington, D.C. and the affected areas, to tackle the issues associated with the devastation caused by Hurricane Katrina.

Writing to HR Subcommittee Chairman Wally Herger (R-CA), McDermott said: "We should be prepared to make rapid legislative changes to ensure a compassionate and comprehensive response to those in need."

In his letter, McDermott noted that the HR Subcommittee has jurisdiction over many of the issues "…that are or will be a lifeline affected by Katrina, including: Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), child support, foster care, unemployment compensation, and eligibility of welfare recipients for food stamps."

McDermott, who is a medical doctor and child psychiatrist, said he is especially concerned over the safety and wellbeing of thousands of vulnerable children.

"Specifically, the Subcommittee needs to know where the thousands of displaced foster children are located, and who is taking care of them. We need to know whether these children are safe, and if the foster parents are receiving the federal help they deserve."

McDermott's letter was hand delivered to Representative Herger's office on Tuesday afternoon.    Read the letter... [Adobe Reader®]