(New Orleans, LA) – Sixth District Congressman James E. Clyburn in his role as Chair of the House Democratic Caucus will lead a delegation of about 20 Democratic House members to the Gulf Coast region next week to mark the first anniversary of Hurricane Katrina.  Congressman Clyburn was so moved by the aftermath of the devastating hurricane that he initiated the response in Columbia, South Carolina, dubbed SC Cares, that ultimately served more than 2,000 displaced Gulf Coast residents.

“I have been to the region, and I have seen the anguish on the faces of those that came to Columbia to take shelter from the storm’s brutality,” Congressman Clyburn said.  “Witnessing that amount of devastation moves you to action, and I and my colleagues are leading the fight to rebuild the Gulf Coast.” 

The purpose of the trip is not only to join Gulf Coast citizens in prayer and reflection, but to do some work to help rebuild the region.  The delegation of Democratic lawmakers will host a town hall meeting in Bay St. Louis to discuss insurance claims and coverage, a complicated hurdle in the rebuilding process.  Lawmakers will also host a policy forum with local elected officials and experts to discuss the challenges the people of the Gulf Coast still face a year after the disaster.  The issues to be discussed will include housing, health care, transportation, fisheries, environment and education.

“South Carolina learned after Hurricane Hugo that disaster can strike our state at any time,” continued Congressman Clyburn.  “We can relate to the experiences of the Gulf Coast region and want to ensure we are prepared to respond more effectively and efficiently next time.”

In July, Congressman Clyburn led the House Democratic Caucus to unanimously approve a resolution to establish Saturday, August 26 and Sunday, August 27, 2006 as a Time for National Prayer and Remembrance for the victims of Hurricanes Katrina and Rita.

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