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Dear Friends: A year after the largest natural disaster in our nation's history, I’d like to be able to say that the problems in our emergency management system are fixed. But it wouldn't be true. I am baffled that the Administration ignores the lessons Hurricane Katrina forced upon us. We can’t change the past, but we must learn from it. The Department of Homeland Security has undermined national emergency preparedness. The lean, effective Federal Emergency Management Agency of the 1990s was robbed of resources, duties and expert personnel when it was buried in an enormous new bureaucracy. So after Katrina hit, tens of thousands of Americans who hoped for help from their government were left to fend for themselves for days. I am still horrified at the suffering that occurred. So many Katrina stories and images are still fresh in my memory. One year later, we’re still not prepared for disasters, and everyone knows it. Let’s hope that Mother Nature gives us a break this year. However, in the name of those who suffered and died because of Hurricane Katrina, we must demand that our government do better by its citizens. Sincerely, 
Martin O. Sabo
Member of Congress
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September - October 2006 Press Releases
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Sabo Criticizes Chemical Security Provision in Final Homeland Security Bill
Friday, September 29, 2006
Congressman Sabo praised the conference agreement (H.R. 5441) for its additional funding for border enforcement, new procedures for the handling of Sensitive Security Information and strengthening FEMA. He criticized other aspects for not being strong enough, however. Sabo expressed particular disappointment with weak and ambiguous provisions on chemical security. “Elements of the chemical security language in this bill are unnecessarily weak and vague,” Sabo said. “The chemical security amendment I offered in May, which was duplicated by the Senate, set stronger, clearer standards for chemical facility regulations than the provision of the bill before us today.”
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Sabo's Impact on Defense Bill a Boon for Minnesota Ingenuity
Thursday, September 28, 2006
Washington, D.C. – Many Minnesota companies have new or renewed federal government work, thanks to Congressman Martin Olav Sabo (D-MN). Sabo is pleased to announce funding for sophisticated medical technologies, language translation communications for military use, supercomputing technology, and many others. The final 2007 Defense spending bill was approved Tuesday night by the House. The Senate is expected to vote on the bill later this week. “Smart Minnesota companies have solutions to some of our country’s urgent needs,” Sabo said. “In addition to military use, many of these technologies have applications that will benefit average consumers and patients in short order.”
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Sabo Statement on Treatment of Military Detainees
Thursday, September 28, 2006
Congressman Martin Olav Sabo voted against so-called compromise legislation on the treatment of military detainees, which passed the House yesterday by a vote of 253 to 168 (H.R. 6166, The Military Commissions Act). “I condemn torture in the United States and any other country for any purpose,” Sabo said.
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Many constituents have subscribed to my electronic newsletter. My goal is to share timely highlights of my work in Washington on issues that are important to you and all Americans. Listed below are previous editions of the e-newsletter. Please click on “e-newsletter sign-up” to begin receiving the e-newsletter delivered to your e-mail account on a monthly basis. Read more...
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