Asking the Questions

Senators Susan Collins (R-ME) and Joe Lieberman (D-CT), the chair and ranking member of the Senate Government Affairs Committee, said in a joint statement tonight that their committee will begin an investigation next week into the government response to Hurricane Katrina:

"We intend to demand answers as to how this immense failure occurred, but our immediate focus must and will be on what Congress can do to help the rescue and emergency operations that are ongoing. ... It is also our responsibility to investigate the lack of preparedness and inadequate response to this terrible storm." The statement continued by noting that it has become "increasingly clear that serious shortcomings in preparedness and response have hampered relief efforts at a critical time."

I agree with Alan's assessment over at The Yellow Line this morning:

"I don’t think it’s too soon to ask these questions. Right now, while we can still see firsthand what is happening - and not happening - we need to ask these questions. If this is how we respond to a catastrophe we could predict, what on earth is our response plan in the event of an unforeseen disaster such as a massive terrorist attack? If we can't handle a flooded city, how can we handle something worse?"

It's not just a matter of assigning blame. It's about making sure this never, never, NEVER happens again. I can hardly think of two more sincere, more earnest senators to put in charge of this investigation, and I hope that Collins and Lieberman are given every single ounce of cooperation in their upcoming inquiry.

And because I just can't say it enough, please give as you're able.