September 2, 2005

Congress passes Katrina relief bill

Rep. Pitts urges constituents to report gas price gouging

Washington —The United States House of Representatives today unanimously approved the “Emergency Supplemental Appropriations Act to Meet Immediate Needs Arising From the Consequences of Hurricane Katrina, 2005.”  The bill, also passed by the Senate, provides $10.5 billion to fund recovery efforts along the Gulf Coast following Hurricane Katrina.

“In the wake of unbelievable devastation on our Gulf Coast , our prayers are with the families who are still displaced, those who have lost loved ones, and those who still don’t know where their friends and family are.  With so much work left to do and so many people to help, this legislation, which we approved unanimously, will immediately get relief to the regions affected by Katrina.  And it will send a clear message to the people of Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, and Florida that the American people stand ready to help during their time of need,” said Congressman Pitts.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency began the week with $2.6 billion.  FEMA’s Hurricane Katrina efforts have cost FEMA between $500 million and $750 million per day.  The legislation passed through both chambers of Congress today provides $10 billion for ongoing disaster relief efforts to recover from the devastation of Hurricane Katrina. Additionally the bill provides $500,000,000 to the Department of Defense to “support the costs of evacuation, emergency repairs, deployment of personnel, and other costs resulting from immediate relief efforts.”

In addition to public relief efforts, Congressman Pitts encouraged citizens to donate money to organizations working to help the victims of the tragedy and, if possible, donate time to the relief effort.  More information:

-        www.firstgov.gov/Citizen/Topics/PublicSafety/Hurricane_Katrina_Recovery.shtml

-        Phone: 1-800-440-6728 (FEMA hotline)

Congressman Pitts also urged constituents to help him keep an eye on prices at the pump.  Anyone who suspects price gouging at gas stations should report it at: http://gaswatch.energy.gov.

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