WASHINGTON, DC – The United States House of Representatives today passed legislation providing an additional $51.8 billion in federal aid to areas hit by Hurricane Katrina.  Congresswoman Nita Lowey (D-Westchester/Rockland) issued the following Congressional Record statement on the package:

“I support this legislation, as a down payment toward fulfilling our obligation to help the citizens and cities ravaged by Hurricane Katrina.

“The tragedy of Katrina has exposed some difficult truths of American life.  That the richest nation on earth is just as vulnerable to the laws of nature as the poorest.  That the have-nots are not only poorer than the haves – they are also less safe. 

“The tragedy has also brought into sharp focus the debate about the role of government in citizens’ lives.  It has exposed the fallacy advanced by the leadership of this Congress and the Administration that government is the problem, and it can’t ever be the solution. 

“I believe that government should work with the private sector to help people help themselves to achieve their goals.  Government should be a partner in making the lives of Americans better. 

“Unfortunately, too often, on the floor of this chamber, we’ve heard from Members who bemoan the size of the government and blast programs to help vulnerable populations, even as they tout legislation providing billions in federal resources to the most powerful and connected companies and individuals in this country.  They have been allowed to snip away at the web of structures put in place to help the American people.

“Katrina was the deluge that exposed what we have warned of all along – when you starve the government, it fails those who need it most.

“In times of crisis and in times of need, the people expect – and should expect – that their government will stand with them.  American taxpayers deserve strong, competent leaders who jump into action, rather than ignore crises and delay response.  Who take responsibility, not rush to point fingers.  Who understand that government is necessary and can be a force for good. 

“Last week, the U.S. government failed its people.  This legislation is merely one step toward repairing this breach of basic trust, and I urge my colleagues to support it.”