CONGRESS TO APPROVE $10.5 BILLION TODAY IN EMERGENCY DISASTER ASSISTANCE

Washington, Sep 2, 2005 - "My prayers are with the victims of Hurricane Katrina; the many who have died and their loved ones, and those who desperately need relief from the storm and flooding," said Rep. Cliff Stearns (R-Ocala). "I am pleased that Congress today will approve $10.5 billion in emergency disaster assistance to help the Gulf States deal with the aftermath of this catastrophe. The damage and chaos have overwhelmed local resources and federal assistance is necessary. We are providing nine ships and nearly 18,000 military personnel -- 4,700 Active Duty and 13,100 National Guard - and those numbers will increase."

he House today will follow the Senate in approving an emergency FY 2005 supplemental appropriations for the Departments of Homeland Security and Defense. "These funds will ensure that our federal response and recovery efforts continue uninterrupted," added Stearns. The Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency will receive $10 billion and the Department of Defense $500 million for ongoing disaster assistance efforts.