As the wealthiest country in the world, it is an embarrassment and an atrocity that the United States Government has failed to provide support and intervention to its own people victims of the 2005 gulf coast hurricanes (Katrina & Rita) who through no fault of their own continue to be victimized three and half years after the disaster.

We, the undersigned, are outraged that these citizens remain unable to return to their homes due to unresolved insurance settlements, scattered distribution of federal Road Home Funds and mismanagement by private corporations contracted to distribute said funds, and the lack of inclusion of people from the affected communities in the disaster relief planning process.

While we support the creation of an investigative Commission as outlined in bill HR 62, we are concerned that the Hurricane Katrina Disaster Inquiry Commission Act of 2009 has been in the Subcommittee on Economic Development, Public Buildings and Emergency Management since January 2009 and collectively voice urgency in seeing this legislation be given priority and move forward.

HR 62 is an important part of rectifying the situation. However additional action is warranted. In addition to the provisions of HR 62, legislative or executive intervention is needed that addresses the needs of the thousands of people who remain displaced.

While people from around the country continue to make private contributions and volunteer their time to assist gulf coast residents, it has been too long and filled with insurmountable obstacles for those still not able to return to their homes and/or make their homes livable.

As taxpayers we call upon the United States Federal Government:

1. To take IMMEDIATE, ACCOUNTABLE action, to ensure that every gulf coast resident affected by the 2005 hurricanes who so desires to repair their home to its pre-hurricane state be given the funds to do so. This action MUST NOT be delayed pending investigations, as it is apparent to anyone who has visited the low income areas devastated by the hurricanes that the previous government plans for rebuilding were insufficient and ineffective;

2. To investigate, hold accountable and prosecute where warranted those who have mismanaged the federal and insurance funds due to the victims; and

3. To include victims in the planning and implementation of all facets of these processes.