Speech #1090065685

I am disheartened by my colleagues among us who ask the question of what sense it makes to spend billions of dollars to rebuild a city that lies six feet below sea level. As leaders of the legislative branch of the federal govemment and as the people responsible for making policy. we must be very careful not to show insensitivity or the semblance of arrogance since our own family members or close friends are not among the sufferers of this historic tragedy. Todays Houston Chronicle reads "Weary refugees grateful to arrive at resting place: The next step for many is finding family members." [1][1] Thousands of displaced personsthis time not in the context of Sudanese refugees but American refugees. have been bused and helicoptered from New Orleans to Houstons Reliant Astrodome where some are now abused. raped. and assaulted because many of these individuals no longer have hope. Ten billion dollars is hardly enough to restore lives that have been lost. medical records that float in what used to be New Orleans. or homes where memories were created. As a member of the Committee on Homeland Security.