Pelosi Remarks at Event Honoring 10th Anniversary of Hurricane Katrina
Contact: Drew Hammill, 202-226-7616
New Orleans – Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi delivered remarks today at the Hurricane Katrina 10th Anniversary Commemoration: The Power of Community at the Smoothie King Center in New Orleans. Leader Pelosi joined President Bill Clinton, New Orleans Mayor Mitch Landrieu, Congressman Cedric Richmond (D-LA), Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee (D-TX), Congresswoman Maxine Waters (D-CA) and local leaders to commemorate the resilience of New Orleans in the 10 years since Hurricane Katrina. Below are the Leader's remarks:
"Thank you all very much. Thank you, Congressman Richmond. Mr. President [Clinton], Governor, Governor Blanco, Mayor Mitch Landrieu, and Congressman Cedric Richmond – what an honor it is to be here with you and with so many people from New Orleans.
"It is with great pride and even greater humility that I bring the sympathy and the admiration of the United States Congress to the people of New Orleans. It is a privilege to stand with Mayor Mitch Landrieu and this remarkable community to observe the 10th anniversary of Katrina.
"Ten years after Katrina made landfall, America looks to New Orleans and sees an indomitable city and an extraordinary people – a model for resilience, a beacon of possibility. We see a New Orleans on the rise. Out of the heartbreak, America sees a Crescent City comeback – a comeback made possible, above all, by the power of your community. You all know that community contains the word unity.
"In some communities when disaster strikes, people fear that it would change the character of their community. But this community would not be broken. Your heritage runs deep. Your unity is strong. You knew that if this city got the help it needed, the help it deserved, New Orleans would not merely survive – it would prevail. Your courage echoed through the halls of Congress and across the country.
"It was carried forward by your champion Senator Mary Landrieu, and in the House by Assistant Leader Jim Clyburn [House Democratic Task Force on Hurricane Katrina] – by Congresswomen Maxine Waters [Housing] and Sheila Jackson Lee [Houston]. It is embodied in New Orleans' own, Congressman Cedric Richmond. Thanks to him and to your strength, you turned the nation's compassion into a national commitment to make New Orleans whole again. Congressman Richmond is a great Member of Congress – and I thank all of you for sending him to the Congress. Congressman Richmond reminds us that much more needs to be done.
"You have the commitment of three Presidents present here this week: President Obama, President Bush and tonight, President Clinton.
[Applause]
"We are all very eager to hear from him. But we also got the commitments of President George Herbert Walker Bush and President Jimmy Carter. And you also have the House Democrats' commitment to work with House Majority Whip Steve Scalise and other Republicans in a bipartisan way to see that Louisiana has what it needs to succeed.
"I want to especially acknowledge Governor Blanco for her tremendous leadership, so many times coming to Washington and making the case. It's an honor to be here with you. And because of you and so many others that I mentioned and others that will be mentioned this evening: you have taught America how to be great, how to survive – not just survive but to succeed and transform into something truly great. And today, let America renew our vow to be there for you on the road to recovery.
"Thank you, New Orleans, for your strength, courage, and renewal. Congratulations on your spirit of resilience. And thank you for being an inspiration to America. Let the music begin. Thank you all very much."
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