“Many of us in Hawaii remember the devastation when Hurricane Iniki passed directly over Kauai in 1992, causing six deaths and leaving lives and property in shambles for thousands of residents.  And we remember the federal government’s critical role in the recovery,” said Abercrombie. “But this time, the federal government has been slow to act—before, during and since Hurricane Katrina— and we need to know why.” 

Abercrombie will travel with approximately 20 House Democrats, led by his colleagues from the Gulf Coast and the Democratic Caucus’s Katrina Taskforce. 

On Monday, August 28^th, the delegation will go through the areas hardest hit when the levees holding Lake Pontchartrain were topped by flood waters, including the upper and lower Ninth Wards, New Orleans East, Gentilly and Lakeview. 

 Monday evening, they will travel to neighboring Mississippi, also devastated by the storm.  Rep. Gene Taylor, who lost his home to flooding and wind, will host a Town Hall Meeting in Bay St. Louis, MS to discuss the complications from unpaid insurance claims. A federal judge ruled last week that damage from wind-driven water isn’t covered by standard homeowner’s policies.

On Tuesday, August 29^th, lawmakers will host a policy forum with local leaders and experts to learn more about the problems and obstacles still facing the region, including housing, health care, transportation, fisheries, environment and education.

“As part of our Congressional oversight responsibilities, we need to hear the residents’ perspective about the administration’s ineffective response to one of the worst natural disasters ever to hit the country,” Abercrombie said. “This is the best way to learn from this episode and prevent it from happening again.” 

In July, Abercrombie and the House Democratic Caucus unanimously approved a resolution establishing Saturday, August 26 and Sunday, August 27, 2006 as a Time for National Prayer and Remembrance for the victims of Hurricanes Katrina and Rita.

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