We have all seen the news reports and pictures of the devastation Hurricanes Katrina and Rita wreaked on the Gulf Coast over the last two months; however, even after seeing pictures and video footage, it wasn’t until I visited the affected areas that I truly understood the enormity of the situation.  Last week, I led a bipartisan delegation of Members from the House Committee on Agriculture to the Gulf Coast to view the devastation left in the wake of the most recent hurricanes.

The delegation saw the devastation of the city of New Orleans on the ground and the destruction of vast stretches of rural Louisiana from helicopters.  We toured the port facilities and food distribution centers, examined the damage to the agriculture sector in the area and met with local farmers.  From the moment we touched down in New Orleans, the effects of the hurricanes were readily apparent.  Just outside the airport gates, hundreds of mobile trailers were lined up in rows to be distributed to provide temporary housing.  As we approached the city, we passed two-story houses that were covered in a thick brown film up to the eaves of the roof, the telltale sign that flood waters had recently occupied the home.  Every house bore a bright orange X left behind by search and rescue teams.  Neighborhoods turned to wastelands stretched on block after block for miles.

On our tour, we had the opportunity to witness the generosity and hard work of the volunteers participating in the relief effort.  We visited the Second Harvest food bank in New Orleans which, prior to the hurricanes, provided over 14 million pounds of food to 350 agencies in southern Louisiana each year.  In September alone, the center distributed 7 million pounds of food, more than six times the average month.  The tremendous efforts of the dedicated staff and volunteers of Second Harvest is a great example of the potential partnership that can exist between a well-organized grassroots organization and the federal government.

But by far, the most remarkable aspect of the visit was witnessing the sheer determination and overall good spirits of the Gulf Coast residents.  We spoke to some of the residents while they waited in line to receive a meal from a food pantry and I was impressed by their optimism in the midst of such destruction.  They were anxious to return to their homes and begin the process of rebuilding their lives.

The volunteers, relief organizations and government agencies have made great strides in the relief efforts thus far.  There is still great need in the Gulf Coast region and restoring the homes, businesses and livelihood of its citizens will take time.  The Committee members returned with several ideas of how the Congress can help in practical ways.  However, throughout the rebuilding process we must remain resolute in ensuring that the relief effort continues to be targeted and managed as efficiently as possible.