Congress has given final approval Friday to legislation introduced by Senators Susan Collins, R-Me., and Joseph Lieberman, D-Conn., that would provide relief for many victims of Hurricane Katrina. The Collins-Lieberman Katrina Emergency Assistance Act would extend disaster unemployment benefits, some of which are set to expire March 4. President Bush is expected to sign the bill immediately.
“Our legislation ensures that federal aid for families devastated by Hurricane Katrina is commensurate with the magnitude of the disaster,” said Senator Collins. “I am pleased that we can offer real assistance to workers who have lost their jobs through no fault of their own and help them cope with the disruption and hardship caused by Hurricane Katrina.” “The unemployment that continues to burden so many families is a grave reminder of how far we are from realizing our promise of hope to the proud people of New Orleans and the Gulf Coast,” said Senator Lieberman. “Extending the limited federal unemployment assistance by 13 weeks, just as we did after September 11th, is the least we can do to help these