Washington, D.C. - Congress today approved an Emergency Supplemental Appropriations Act that provides $10.5 billion in relief intended for the victims of Hurricane Katrina.

Rep. Tim Johnson, R-Ill., said he was pleased Congress could act swiftly to take this initial step in relieving the suffering of thousands of people.

"Our hearts go out to the people of New Orleans and the rest of the Gulf Coast whose lives, homes, neighborhoods and communities have been devastated by this disaster," Rep. Johnson said. "I would like to appeal to people throughout the 15th Congressional District to keep these victims in their prayers, to support their local Red Cross and other humanitarian efforts under way to assist the government and their fellow countrymen in this time of suffering.

"Whatever assistance we can provide through the government or Red Cross can't get there soon enough. The delays we have all witnessed are intolerable. The suffering has to be stopped," Rep. Johnson said.

Rep. Johnson said he further appreciated all the communication to his offices throughout the district. Concerns and ideas are all appreciated. Many recommendations have been forwarded to appropropriate authorities within the Federal Emergency Management Agency and Red Cross. Congress reconvenes again in Washington on Tuesday to address further concerns.

The emergency appropriation approved by Congress Friday will provide $10 billion in support of ongoing efforts by FEMA, which has been spending $500 to $750 million a day from its emergency response account. Another $500 million in additional support is going to the Department of Defense, with over 7,000 active duty military personnel in the immediate area. Another 14,569 members of the National Guard have been assigned to relief operations, a number projected to increase to 27,099 bv next Tuesday. Thousands of victims are being airlifted to Texas military bases.

"Search and rescue operations are under way, field hospitals are being set up. Our first priority has to be getting those victims out of harm's way.

 "After we have satisfactorily responded to the humanitarian needs of the victims, Congress and the rest of the country needs to take a measured and prudent response to rebuilding. First and foremost, it is paramount that this rebuilding occur in a way that we are never in danger of allowing this kind of tragedy to occur again."

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