| (WASHINGTON,
D.C.) U.S. Senator Jim Talent (R-Mo.) today issued the following
statement:
This is a terrible disaster. I share Missourians?concern for
the victims and their impatience and frustration with the relief
effort.
A full range of federal resources and capabilities is being directed
to assist and protect the people who have born the brunt of this
catastrophe. Officials are working hard to deliver supplies, equipment
and medical assistance to those who need it.
Last night, the Senate unanimously approved a Hurricane Katrina
aid package of $10.5 billion. Of the funding, the Federal Emergency
Management Agency (FEMA) will receive $10 billion to replenish
its general disaster relief account and the Defense Department
will get $500 million.
Many Missourians have asked me what they can do to help. They
can call the Red Cross at 1-800-HELP-NOW, or visit my Website
at talent.senate.gov for more information.
I also share Missourians?frustration about rising gas prices
in connection with this disaster. I supported the Administration𠏋
decision to make oil from the Strategic Petroleum Reserve available
to refiners and I've encouraged the President to ensure that the
federal government takes every possible action against disruptions
in supply.
The Energy bill we passed in the Senate this summer will help
make our energy supply less vulnerable to natural disasters in
the future, and make us less dependent on foreign oil.
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