SENATE APPROVES $10 BILLION RELIEF AID FOR GULF COAST HURRICANE VICTIMS, SEN COLLINS ISSUES STATEMENT

WASHINGTON, DC—During an emergency session of Congress tonight, the U.S. Senate approved by unanimous consent a supplemental spending bill to provide over $10 billion to assist in relief efforts in the aftermath of hurricane Katrina. Senator Susan Collins, who chairs the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, has released this statement:

"The images coming out of the Gulf Coast are overwhelming as relief workers learn more about the extent of the destruction caused by hurricane Katrina. I know that I share with all Americans deep and heartfelt sympathies for hurricane victims, their families, and those who were left homeless by this terrible disaster.

"I applaud the prompt reaction by the President and Senate Leadership in calling for this emergency session of Congress so that these critical dollars will be immediately available to help hurricane victims. I hope these dollars help gulf coast resident put their lives back together following the devastation caused by the hurricane."

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