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Pelosi Statement on 6th Anniversary of Hurricane Katrina

August 29, 2011

Contact: Nadeam Elshami/Drew Hammill, 202-226-7616

San Francisco – Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi released the following statement today to mark the sixth anniversary of Hurricane Katrina:

“With Hurricane Irene reaching the East Coast this weekend, we remember the day six years ago when Hurricane Katrina made landfall, tearing through homes, businesses, and schools across the Gulf Coast; decimating towns and neighborhoods; leaving only destruction in its wake. And in the days that followed, a natural disaster revealed a human tragedy simmering beneath the surface – a story of poverty too often neglected and too long ignored.

“As a nation, we learned valuable lessons from Hurricane Katrina – perhaps none more critical than the need to be prepared, to respond quickly, and to coordinate action across federal, state, and local agencies. We saw these lessons play out this past weekend, as President Obama, Homeland Security Secretary Napolitano, and FEMA worked with their counterparts at all levels of government to brace communities for Hurricane Irene, provide shelter for evacuees, and secure resources in advance of the storm.

“This moment of danger for millions of Americans is a time to set aside partisan differences and offer our immediate support and assistance to those caught in the hurricane’s path. As we assess the damage of Hurricane Irene throughout the eastern seaboard, Congress must not hesitate in providing the resources needed to aid the recovery effort.

“Our thoughts, prayers, and condolences are with the families, friends, and loved ones of those lost in recent days – and those lost six years ago. With Hurricanes Katrina and Irene still fresh in our minds, with their impact still felt in the Gulf and the East Coast, the American people will continue to stand by the families and workers of both regions, and help them restore jobs and economic growth. Together, we will complete the work of recovery.”

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