By Bruce Alpert, Washington bureau
The Times-Picayune (New Orleans)
WASHINGTON — House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said Monday that Congress is immediately putting together an emergency disaster package to meet recovery needs associated with Hurricanes Ike and Gustav, western fires, and record flooding that hit Iowa and other Midwestern states earlier this summer.
Robin Winchell, spokeswoman for Rep. Charlie Melancon, D-Napoleonville, said the package also will include funding for unmet recovery needs for Hurricanes Katrina and Rita.
It’s expected to include funding to help New Orleans-area hospitals with cash-flow problems, as well as money for an anticrime initiative in New Orleans.
It was unclear, however, whether the package would be a stand-alone bill, added to an economic stimulus package that Democrats are now putting together, or added to a giant omnibus spending package that Congress is likely to enact to finance federal agencies until the new presidential administration takes office.
Kristie Greco, spokeswoman for House Majority Whip James Clyburn, D-S.C., who has been Pelosi’s point person on Katrina assistance, said late Monday that the Katrina assistance will be included in the emergency package, although no decision has been made on whether to pass it as a stand-alone package, or add it to other legislation.
In a statement, Pelosi said it is important that Congress act quickly.
“The devastation caused by Hurricane Ike demands a swift federal response,” Pelosi said. “Congress will move quickly to pass emergency disaster assistance funds to help those in Texas and other states affected by this tragedy. From debris removal and housing needs, to the restoration of infrastructure and local economies, the emergency disaster package will cover the range of recovery needs that must be immediately addressed.”
Copyright 2008 The Times-Picayune Publishing Company