Senator Barbara A. Mikulski (D-MD), issued the following statement today:
"Our thoughts and prayers are with the victims of Hurricane Katrina and their families. The victims need not just words - but deeds - as they rebuild their lives, their communities and their businesses. Every branch of the federal government must be mobilized to help.
"Information on how to help hurricane victims is available on my website at: http://mikulski.senate.gov/. Private philanthropy and donations are important, yet they can't take the place of public policy.
"Like all Americans, I am horrified by the images I am seeing on television. It appears that there was a total failure to prepare and respond to this crisis.
"The funds approved by the Senate last night are important, yet even more important, we need leadership to ensure that this aid is used immediately to help the victims of this terrible tragedy."