WASHINGTON, DC—During an emergency session of Congress tonight, the U.S.
Senate approved by unanimous consent a supplemental spending bill to provide
over $10 billion to assist in relief efforts in the aftermath of hurricane
Katrina. Senator Susan Collins, who chairs the Homeland Security and
Governmental Affairs Committee, has released this statement:
“The images coming out of the Gulf Coast are overwhelming as relief
workers learn more about the extent of the destruction caused by hurricane
Katrina. I know that I share with all Americans deep and heartfelt sympathies
for hurricane victims, their families, and those who were left homeless by
this terrible disaster.
“I applaud the prompt reaction by the President and Senate Leadership in
calling for this emergency session of Congress so that these critical dollars
will be immediately available to help hurricane victims. I hope these dollars
help gulf coast resident put their lives back together following the
devastation caused by the hurricane.”