"This emergency funding is not optional," added Rep. Chris Cannon, R-Utah. "We may well be witnessing the worst natural disaster in U.S. history, and we cannot let funding issues get in the way of urgent efforts to save lives."

The Utah delegation was collectively saddened and humbled by the images of suffering and pain, and they were inspired.

"I am, once again, in awe of the commitment, selflessness and skill of our nation's first responders, disaster agency personnel, military personnel, local volunteers, local leaders and everyday heroes who are doing all they can to help," Hatch said.

"I share Utahns' feelings of sadness and sympathy for the tragedy that has struck the people of the Gulf region," Matheson said. "The scenes are heart-wrenching."

"Like all Utahns, my heart goes out to the people of Louisiana, Mississippi, Florida and Alabama who are in desperate need of this aid," Bennett added.

House Majority Leader Tom DeLay, R-Texas, said the bill was only the first step toward a "comprehensive, long-term response to the Katrina disaster." He promised Congress would provide more humanitarian aid, combat gasoline price gouging, provide assistance to businesses and the unemployed, rebuild infrastructure and utility systems, and help local law enforcement.

"Make no mistake, this $10.5 billion is initial relief," DeLay said. But it was too early to say exactly what further steps Congress might take to help the situation along the Gulf Coast — or make sure future disaster response efforts go more smoothly.

Lawmakers also promised hearings into gasoline prices and the adequacy of preparations by the federal and state governments for such a disaster.

"We need to understand from the key authorities what went wrong, what should have been done, and, most importantly, what needs to be done so we're ready next time," said Sen. Jon Kyl, R-Ariz.

Bush welcomed Congress' quick action on his request for an infusion of funds.

"I want to thank the Congress for acting as quickly as you did," Bush said of the $10.5 billion measure, which he was signing into law later Friday. "But I've got go to warn everybody that's just the beginning."

Frustration with the rescue effort — and the continued lack of help for many of the mostly poor and black victims in New Orleans — reached a boil as the Congressional Black Caucus blasted Bush's handling of the crisis.

"I'm ashamed of America. I'm ashamed of our government," said Rep. Carolyn Kilpatrick, D-Mich. "I'm outraged by the lack of response by our federal government."

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E-mail: spang@desnews.com