calls for independent investigation

He called instead for an independent investigating body modeled on the bipartisan 9-11 Commission.

The Republican proposal (House Resolution 437), which passed 224-188, would establish a Congressional committee on which Republicans would outnumber Democrats, control the direction and scope of its investigation, and decide which witnesses and documents can be subpoenaed.

“This is a setup designed to whitewash the Bush Administration’s failures during Hurricane Katrina,” said Abercrombie.  “The House Republican leadership are the president’s most loyal supporters.  Putting them in charge of the inquiry is the same as having the government investigate itself.

“While the long-term impact of Hurricane Katrina will be felt for years, an independent, bipartisan evaluation of the Federal Government’s response to, and preparation for, this and other major disasters must begin immediately.  We saw that our Federal disaster system is woefully inadequate.  An independent commission is the first step in repairing it and restoring accountability.”

To achieve that goal Abercrombie is cosponsoring legislation introduced today to establish an independent Katrina Commission to examine and evaluate the Federal response to Hurricane Katrina and assess its ability to respond to future large-scale disasters. 

Mirroring the 9-11 Commission, the Katrina Commission will consist of ten members with no more than five being from either the Republican or Democratic parties, thus ensuring an independent and diverse make-up of commission members.  

The Katrina Commission will be given the same powers which the 9-11 Commission enjoyed and will be tasked with finding the answers to critical questions, including but not limited to:

-Were we adequately prepared to respond to a disaster of this magnitude?  Are we any more prepared today than we were before Katrina?

-What plans were in place before Katrina made landfall to meet power, utility, and telecommunications needs following the storm?  What plans are in place for future disasters?

-What was the availability of adequate resources to meet the needs of displaced individuals and families, including temporary housing, medical services and facilities, transportation, and food and water supplies?

-Did Federal disaster response plans consider the needs of all communities?  What plans existed to ensure that underserved communities reached safety before and after Katrina?

-How effective was the Federal Government in its rescue and other life-saving techniques?

-Was the Federal response to Hurricane Katrina efficiently coordinated with state and local governments?  Was it adequate and appropriate in size and scope?

-What improvements do the Executive and Legislative Branches need to make to increase the efficiency and effectiveness of our disaster response programs?

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