A Time of Rebuilding and Healing
Congressman
Tom Cole
Tom Cole
September 20, 2005
The President addressed the nation last week from New Orleans with a message that the work of rescue in the Gulf Coast is nearing completion but the work of rebuilding is only just beginning. We know that the reconstruction process will be long and will require the coordination and work of the government as well as the private sector and our non-profit organizations that have already performed commendably during this crisis. We also know that with the American people working together it can be accomplished.
To date, this Congress has provided more than $62 billion in aid and passed several bills to help ease the strain of this difficult time. Last week the House passed H.R. 3768, the Katrina Emergency Tax Relief Act of 2005, which provides fast-targeted relief, giving families and individuals affected by Hurricane Katrina more flexibility and resources. By offering tax relief for housing assistance, personal loss and individual debts, victims of Hurricane Katrina will be able to focus their energies on restoration efforts, instead of on incurring tax liabilities.
The House also voted last week to establish a bipartisan committee to investigate the preparation and response to Hurricane Katrina. The select committee will be composed of 20 members appointed by the Speaker, nine of whom will be appointed after consultation with the Minority Leader. The committee will conduct a full and complete investigation and study regarding the preparation and response by local, state and Federal authorities to Hurricane Katrina. I believe it is important for Congress to conduct this study because Congress designed and created the agencies responsible and also has the power and responsibility to make any reform necessary.
I have introduced legislation, H.R. 3788, that would allow the Secretary of Education to waive the continuous service requirements of the Federal Teacher Loan Forgiveness Program for teachers whose employment is interrupted by a major disaster. The "Teacher Loan Hurricane and Disaster Relief" bill will help teachers, who lost their jobs because of Hurricane Katrina, continue to participate in the Federal Teacher Loan Program, despite temporary loss of their job. This is a small provision that will have a huge impact on teachers in the Gulf Coast. This legislation will enable them to continue to participate in the Federal Teacher Loan Forgiveness Program without penalty despite the requirement that you must remain employed for five consecutive years. Teachers should not punished for an unavoidable natural disaster that leaves them temporarily without a job.
In his speech last week President Bush offered a pledge to the American people: "Throughout the area hit by the hurricane, we will do what it takes ... we will stay as long as it takes ... to help citizens rebuild their communities and their lives. And all who question the future of the Crescent City need to know: There is no way to imagine America without New Orleans, and this great city will rise again."
We will be working together to make good on this promise. My office will continue to work in the coming months to ensure evacuees in Oklahoma have good living arrangements, education for their children and other resources. And Congress will continue to pass legislation to ensure those affected by Hurricane Katrina are provided relief. Please visit my website at http://www.house.gov for information on what you can do to help disaster survivors or call my office in Norman at 405-329-6500 or in Washington, D.C. at 202-225-6165.
To date, this Congress has provided more than $62 billion in aid and passed several bills to help ease the strain of this difficult time. Last week the House passed H.R. 3768, the Katrina Emergency Tax Relief Act of 2005, which provides fast-targeted relief, giving families and individuals affected by Hurricane Katrina more flexibility and resources. By offering tax relief for housing assistance, personal loss and individual debts, victims of Hurricane Katrina will be able to focus their energies on restoration efforts, instead of on incurring tax liabilities.
The House also voted last week to establish a bipartisan committee to investigate the preparation and response to Hurricane Katrina. The select committee will be composed of 20 members appointed by the Speaker, nine of whom will be appointed after consultation with the Minority Leader. The committee will conduct a full and complete investigation and study regarding the preparation and response by local, state and Federal authorities to Hurricane Katrina. I believe it is important for Congress to conduct this study because Congress designed and created the agencies responsible and also has the power and responsibility to make any reform necessary.
I have introduced legislation, H.R. 3788, that would allow the Secretary of Education to waive the continuous service requirements of the Federal Teacher Loan Forgiveness Program for teachers whose employment is interrupted by a major disaster. The "Teacher Loan Hurricane and Disaster Relief" bill will help teachers, who lost their jobs because of Hurricane Katrina, continue to participate in the Federal Teacher Loan Program, despite temporary loss of their job. This is a small provision that will have a huge impact on teachers in the Gulf Coast. This legislation will enable them to continue to participate in the Federal Teacher Loan Forgiveness Program without penalty despite the requirement that you must remain employed for five consecutive years. Teachers should not punished for an unavoidable natural disaster that leaves them temporarily without a job.
In his speech last week President Bush offered a pledge to the American people: "Throughout the area hit by the hurricane, we will do what it takes ... we will stay as long as it takes ... to help citizens rebuild their communities and their lives. And all who question the future of the Crescent City need to know: There is no way to imagine America without New Orleans, and this great city will rise again."
We will be working together to make good on this promise. My office will continue to work in the coming months to ensure evacuees in Oklahoma have good living arrangements, education for their children and other resources. And Congress will continue to pass legislation to ensure those affected by Hurricane Katrina are provided relief. Please visit my website at http://www.house.gov for information on what you can do to help disaster survivors or call my office in Norman at 405-329-6500 or in Washington, D.C. at 202-225-6165.
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