Rep. Wasserman Schultz Named to Special Task Force on Hurricane Katrina

(Washington, DC)  —  House Democratic Caucus Chairman James E. Clyburn today appointed Rep. Wasserman Schultz to a special Task Force on Hurricane Katrina.  The task force will be chaired by Rep. Gene Taylor (D-Miss.), a victim of the hurricane, and a leader in Congress on the recovery effort and protecting against future disasters.  Rep. Wasserman Schultz’s work on the Financial Services Committee on behalf of the victims of hurricanes in Florida and other Gulf States was a key factor in her selection for the Katrina task force.

“I’m eager to serve on this special task force and to help make constructive progress toward helping our Gulf state neighbors recover from the devastation brought by Hurricane Katrina,” said Rep. Wasserman Schultz.  “Living in a state that is struck by hurricanes every year, we should all be deeply concerned about the failure by the U.S. Government to adequately prepare and respond to Hurricane Katrina both right here in Florida and in neighboring states.  While recent reports have been critical of the Government’s actions during and in the immediate aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, they do not address the need to rebuild people’s homes and communities and our need to protect against future disasters, no matter what kind and no matter where they are.”

“While the report released this week from the Select Committee on Katrina told nothing but the truth, it failed to tell the whole truth” said Chairman Clyburn.  “Gene Taylor will lead this task force to develop and advance initiatives to rebuild, renew and revive America‘s Gulf Coast.  The task force will be the conscience of this Congress, it will look at all facets of the disaster and will put the people of our Gulf Coast first.  We must move past incompetence and inaction and work to help families to return to their homes, rebuild the region and protect against future disasters.”

“While I agreed with a majority of the Katrina Committee’s report, Congress still has a job to do,” said Taylor.  “We can play the ‘blame game’ over and over again, but hurricane season is a little over three months away.  Right now, Congress needs to take the lessons learned from this catastrophe and make the necessary statutory and regulatory changes before the next disaster strikes-be it an act of God or an act of man.” 

The Democratic Task Force on Hurricane Katrina will be dedicated to coordinating efforts and expertise to provide a comprehensive and effective recovery plan for the region.  Members of the task force will keep the Democratic Caucus and the Congress fully informed and aware of activity and initiatives taking place.