The epic natural disaster that devastated America's Gulf Coast exposed vulnerability in the chains of command when it comes to the government's response to disaster preparedness and assistance. By all accounts, government at every level failed the victims of Hurricane Katrina in it its most basic covenant to the people: securing public safety after a catastrophe.
Hurricane Katrina has secured a spot in U.S. history as one of the worst natural disasters ever. Now the eye of the storm shifts to securing the recovery of a 100,000 square mile area along America's Gulf Coast. It will take years and billions of dollars to repair the public infrastructure, from transit systems to sewage treatment facilities, schools, hospitals and flood protection systems.
Congress passed a $51.8 billion disaster assistance package in early September to get immediate relief to the devastated region. As chairman of the Senate Finance Committee, I also am advancing a bipartisan package of legislative tools to help displaced residents of the Gulf Coast regain a good quality of life.
Recognizing the immediate need to provide for the health and welfare of Katrina victims, my bill would provide financial assistance and access to health care services, targeting the most vulnerable citizens, including low-income families, disabled individuals and frail elderly.
The 'Emergency Health Care Relief Act of 2005' would offer simplified enrollment for health care coverage to every qualified individual in need. Families ineligible for Medicaid also could count on continued access to care after federal disaster relief coverage ends. Relief should follow the person. That means the federal government should reimburse Mississippi, Louisiana, Alabama and also states outside the Gulf Region for the total amount spent on health care for hurricane victims.
For those who are covered by private insurance, our bill would provide financial assistance to help individuals and businesses pay the premiums on their health insurance coverage. In addition to these tools aimed at relieving the suffering, I'm also advancing additional measures to help displaced residents help themselves to rebuild their lives and communities.
My bipartisan tax relief bill includes incentives for Gulf Coast residents to get a fresh start. It would help rebuild homes, restore possessions, access housing, and find jobs. Incentives for charitable giving by corporations and individuals also are included in my bill that unanimously cleared the U.S. Senate. This is a good first step that will provide immediate help in the short term.
I also am hammering out details on tax legislation that would provide long-term relief to help the region make a solid recovery with emphasis on job creation, home ownership and economic opportunity for everyone making a home along the Gulf Coast.
Policymakers also need to identify, as the president has said, what went right and what went wrong with the government's lackluster response. Congress will take a hard look at fixing the inadequate response to this natural disaster by the Federal Emergency Management Agency.
Hurricane Katrina also ought to reinforce for communities, large and small, the importance of having a detailed, coordinated emergency response plan in place for natural disasters, disease outbreaks, and acts of terrorism.
Similar to the generous outpouring after 9/11 and last December's tsunami in Southeast Asia, Americans across the country once more are showing incredible compassion and concern for Katrina victims. Sheltering, clothing, feeding and securing employment for tens of thousands of evacuees is a formidable undertaking. Donations to established relief organizations are a good way to turn compassion into action.
Iowans understand the value behind 'all for one and one for all.' Old-fashioned barn-raisings are part of our heritage. Today it's commonplace to help a farm neighbor in need bring in the harvest, deliver meals to shut-ins and support fund-raisers for a family facing soaring medical bills for a sick child.
Iowans showed their resiliency during and after the floods of '93 that backed up water treatment facilities, flooded homes, businesses, and farmland and stopped barge traffic on the Missouri and Mississippi Rivers for nearly two months.
When Mother Nature unleashes her force, from flooding to droughts, forest fires, mudslides, earthquakes, hurricanes or tornados, Uncle Sam steps in to help with the recovery. As a federal lawmaker, I'm working to channel federal relief to the Gulf Coast where it is most needed. Just as importantly, I'm also tracking accountability processes to make sure tax dollars don't fall victim to rampant waste, fraud and abuse.