MEASURE PROVIDES $51.8 BILLION IN DISASTER ASSISTANCE

Washington, Sep 8, 2005 - "The extent of devastation and the human toll from Hurricane Katrina are beyond description," said Rep. Cliff Stearns (R-Ocala).  "Officials in Louisiana estimate one million evacuees from that state, while those in Mississippi say it could reach several hundred thousand for their state.  We do not know, and may never know, the loss of life from this disaster.  My prayers are with the victims, and with the committed men and women providing assistance."

The House today approved H.R. 3673, the Second Emergency Supplemental Appropriations Act, providing funding for recovery and relief efforts in the Gulf States.  H.R. 3673 includes $50 billion for the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), $1.4 billion for the Department of Defense, and $400 million for the Army Corps of Engineers.

"I am proud of the outpouring of support and assistance for our fellow citizens suffering from this disaster," added Stearns.  "FEMA is expending $2 billion a day, and without this measure it would run out of money by the end of the week.  This is just another step on the long road to bringing relief to the people of Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, and Florida and to beginning to rebuild the area and the lives of its citizens."