Date: 2005-09-07
Speaker: EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON (democrat)
Chamber: H
State: Texas

Mr. Speaker. I rise today to address the ongoing crisis for those who have evacuated Louisiana. Mississippi. Alabama. and Florida. and to recognize the extraordinary efforts of Texans. And in particular residents of Dallas. For the people along the Gulf Coast. I wish to express my deepest condolences. This devastation has cost many individuals their homes. jobs. belongings. and worst of all their lives. Almost a quarter million evacuees have traveled to Texas. Seventeen thousand of which have come to Dallas. This is an extremely traumatic situation. Many of these individuals are looking for missing family and friends. Most do not know if or when they will be able to return home. The one bright spot is the thousands of Americans who have opened their hearts to volunteer time and money. I truly believe it is the personal efforts that make the greatest impact. During this time of tragedy many heroes have emerged. Local residents. churches. and businesses in Dallas have overwhelmingly offered assistance. The efforts of those who are volunteering their time at Dallas area shelters have made an immeasurable impact. In addition. many Texans have offered jobs or opened their homes to evacuated families. I know that the generous spirit of Texans and of all Americans will help to aid this transition. When these dislocated people retum to their communities. immediate economic opportunities should be given to them first so they can rebuild. Mr. Speaker. we now look towards this Administration to exhibit the same type of sacrifice and humanity that countless Americans and charities have displayed. I question those policies that stretched those National Guard units that could have rendered more immediate aid in New Orieans and elsewhere. First responders have not been given the tools they need. And this Administration drastically underfunded the Army Corps of Engineers. who are responsible for maintaining the levees surrounding New Orleans. It is time to acknowledge our dependence on fossil fuelswhether foreign or domesticwhich set the stage for further economic displacement ahead. It is neither premature nor unpatriotic to raise questions as the federal government recovers its footing after an initially dismal performance. The point is that even though the government is now showing signs of progress. much work remains. I cah assure the Administration we. as Members of CSC. will do our best to work with them towards fulfilling our commitment to the American citizens. I will be offering a comprehensive education appropriations bill along with Congressman HINOJOSA. There are currently 160.000 displaced students as a result of Hurricane Katrina. The Texas Education Agency predicts that as many as 70.000 displaced students will enter Texas schools this year. This bill sets up a $500 million fund for displaced students within the Department of Education. From this fund. 9tates will receive $3.000 for each displaced student that enters their school systems. This money will provide funding for additional classrooms. teachers. books. and supplies. These young people have been through a traumatic experience and providing a safe stable school environment is vital. I will also introduce a bill that would call on the Department of Health and Human Services to ensure that the displaced survivors of Hurricane Katrina and first responders receive the mental health services they need. Mr. Speaker and colleagues. think of the incredible stress these people are experiencing. There is anxiety. There is depression. There is a sense of hopelessness. I am a former nurse. and I worked in the mental health sector. I feel strongly that these displaced individuals. many of whom are left with nothing. desperately need mental health services to address the trauma they have endured. This bill will call upon Health and Human Services and the Department of Justice to address those needs. Mental health should not be forgotten. Mr. Speaker. the Federal Emergency response to this calamity was disappointing. When I visited my District in Dallas and saw the suffering of many displaced individuals. I was struck at how farreaching and longterm these issues will be. Let us make good legislative decisions to help them in the best way possible.