For Immediate Release:
Tuesday, September 6, 2005

Oklahoma Spirit
Boren praises Oklahoma response to Katrina, seeks federal support

WASHINGTON D.C - This past Saturday, my wife Andrea and I witnessed something that all Oklahomans can be very proud of.  We watched as nearly 1,600 victims displaced by Hurricane Katrina found welcome and refuge at Camp Gruber in our home of Eastern Oklahoma.

 

First responders, soldiers, county officers, Red Cross personnel and faith-based groups banded together to help welcome those who had been through so much.  From the very youngest – a three day-old-baby born outside the Superdome – to the very oldest, all were treated with dignity and kindness.

 

Oklahomans have again risen to the challenge, but we must prepare for the long road ahead. I encourage every school district in our state to welcome the evacuees and their families, and I also urge every church within a 25-mile radius of any known evacuee to reach out and offer relief.

 

At the federal level, my promise is to push for legislation to reimburse all costs to the states including all of our schools.  A bipartisan effort is crucial to this goal, and I plan work closely with our delegation to make sure these needs are met.

 

Like many of you, I am angered by the Administration’s slow response to this crisis.   As Congress reconvenes this week, the President and his agency heads will have an opportunity to answer for their mistakes.  We are still facing an energy crisis, as well as a rebuilding process.  I hope that spirit of cooperation will lead to a swift response.

 

I know all of us in Oklahoma understand tragedy, but we also understand what it means to rebuild.  Our national resolve is being tested.  Let us continue doing our part as Oklahomans show the rest of the country what compassion is all about.

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