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Rep. Melancon to Join President Obama for Briefing at Coast Guard Command Station |
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Melancon Will Ask President for More Health Care Services, Military Boom, Designated Official to Cut Red Tape in Response
May 27, 2010
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Friday, U.S. Congressman Charlie Melancon (LA-03) will join President Barack Obama for a briefing led by U.S. Coast Guard Admiral Thad Allen on the efforts to stop the BP oil leak and prevent the oil from reaching Louisiana’s coastal marshes. Following the briefing, the President will deliver a brief statement to the media.
During his visit with President Obama, Congressman Melancon will make the following requests of President Obama:
- Health Care Services. Congressman Melancon will ask the President to direct the federal government to coordinate health care services, including mental health counselors, to treat and screen workers and residents affected by the oil leak in the Gulf. Yesterday, several crewmembers of three vessels involved in oil recovery work reported experiencing nausea, dizziness, headaches and chest pains and were transported to the hospital. He will also ask for the President’s assistance in making sure BP reimburses local health care providers for treating south Louisianians affected by the oil leak.
- More Military Boom. Second, Congressman Melancon will also ask the President to send more high-grade military protective boom to south Louisiana to protect the state’s fragile coastline. Earlier this month, President Obama granted Congressman Melancon’s request that military aircraft be used to help bring protective boom to the Gulf Coast more quickly.
- High-Ranking Federal Official with Decision-Making Authority to Clear Red Tape. Finally, Congressman Melancon will ask the President to designate a high-level official within the Department of Homeland Security with direct access to Secretary Janet Napolitano to help clear the red tape hindering disaster response.
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