Wednesday, March 15, 2006

 Last night, Members of the House Democratic Caucus Katrina Taskforce took to the floor to highlight the needs of our Gulf Coast residents.  Please watch the video highlights of the special order and read the Taskforce’s statement on the temporary housing needs of Gulf Coast residents.

 

Watch Rep. Melancon on the importance of Americans helping each other >

Watch Rep. Jefferson on the federal government's responsibility >

Watch Rep. Melancon share personal experiences from Louisiana >

Watch Rep. Jackson Lee on the challenges faced by Katrina survivors >

 

Watch Rep. Barbara Lee discuss the need for accountability > 

Katrina Taskforce on Housing Needs

Members of the House Democratic Caucus Katrina Taskforce called on the Federal Emergency Management Association (FEMA) to continue to provide temporary housing for victims of Hurricanes Katrina and Rita living in hotels in Louisiana and Mississippi. Approximately 12,000 families being housed in hotels will be evicted today if FEMA does not extend the deadline.

“For the fifth time since Katrina struck the Gulf Coast, hurricane survivors face eviction,” said Gene Taylor, chairman of the Taskforce.  “No alternative temporary housing for these victims has been developed or provided, and turning Americans out into the streets is not an answer. This system isn’t working. FEMA must develop real sheltering solutions until families in this region get back on their feet. At this moment, for thousands of hurricane victims, hotels are the only viable alternative.”

In addition, the Taskforce announced the adoption of seven principles for rebuilding and reviving America’s hurricane ravaged Gulf Coast.  These principles are important to insure that all Americans are protected and prepared if such disasters strike again.  The seven principles adopted by the Taskforce include:

1) People—People come first in the work and goals of the House Democratic Caucus;

2) Safety—Creating safe and protected communities so families and businesses can rebuild;

3) Housing—Rebuilding and repairing houses so people can return home;

4) Jobs, Economy, Business—Creating jobs to rejuvenate the local economy;

5) Health Care—Ensuring access to affordable health care;

6) Education—Rebuilding schools so our children can learn; and

7) Prevention—Creating a disaster response system insuring no Americans suffer the failures and incompetence our federal government displayed following Hurricane Katrina.

“The administration’s first real test after 9/11 was responding to Hurricane Katrina, and they failed miserably,” said James E. Clyburn, Chairman of the Democratic Caucus.  “We have to move past the failure of leadership and rebuild the Gulf Coast.  The Katrina Taskforce was formed to demand answers, accountability and action.  The failure of leadership here is as big as the storm, but by following the seven principles adopted by our Katrina Taskforce, we can assist current victims and protect communities impacted in the future.” 

More on the Katrina Taskforce >>> 

Congressman Gene Taylor (MS-04), Chair

-- Housing --

-- Jobs, Economy, Business --

-- Health Care --

-- Education --

-- Prevention --