From Deseret News archives:
Utah delegates vote for relief aid
But federal response to disaster troubles officials in D.C.
But even as they poured out their hearts to Southerners still coming to grips with the storm's aftermath, concerns were being expressed across the nation's capital, even by President Bush himself, about the federal government's response to Hurricane Katrina.
"I also share people's concern about the seemingly inadequate level of federal preparedness and response," said Rep. Jim Matheson, D-Utah, who pointed out that the creation of the Department of Homeland Security, supported by all members of the Utah delegation, was supposed to coordinate response to such a large-scale crisis.
"Clearly, more work is needed and I am sure Congress will be asking questions about what still needs to happen so that America is better prepared," Matheson said.
But for now, the Utah delegation was focused on getting the funding approved and moving toward the Gulf Coast.
"This supplemental funding, along with support from individuals and private organizations, will ensure they can keep doing their jobs and provide assistance to those who so desperately need it right now," said Rep. Rob Bishop, R-Utah.
During a floor speech Thursday night, Sen. Orrin Hatch, R-Utah, praised President Bush for his "extraordinary job of organizing and deploying our nation's resources in a timely and expeditious manner," noting that the federal government is spending $500 million a day to help refugees.
"This is a staggering amount of money, but these are staggering times," Hatch said. "When we pledge our assistance, we pledge all the assistance we can possibly muster."
Hatch is the only member of the delegation to have returned to the nation's capital. The others will remain in Utah through the end of the Labor Day holiday before resuming a full schedule on Tuesday. The relief package was passed by a unanimous consent vote in the Senate on Thursday and the House on Friday. The president immediately signed it.
The entire delegation was united in its support for relief efforts — and there was no blushing at the $10 billion price tag — the first installment of what is expected to be a much larger relief effort.
"There is no question that more federal assistance will be needed, but this amount will cover us until we can determine what additional assistance will be necessary," said Sen. Bob Bennett, R-Utah.
"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."
