Observing the 20th anniversary of the dates on which Hurricane Katrina and Hurricane Rita devastated the Gulf Coast and recognizing the progress of efforts to rebuild the affected Gulf Coast region.
- Bill Number
- H.Res. 664
- Origin Chamber
- House
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 1
- Policy Area
- Government Operations and Politics
- Status
- Introduced
- Latest Action
- 2025-08-30: Referred to the Subcommittee on Economic Development, Public Buildings, and Emergency Management.
- Last Updated
- 2025-10-07T08:05:36Z
AI-Generated Summary
Purpose
This House Resolution (H. Res. 664) observes the 20th anniversary of Hurricanes Katrina (August 29, 2005) and Rita (September 24, 2005), which devastated the Gulf Coast. It acknowledges the immense destruction caused by these storms, honors the recovery efforts, and highlights the resilience and progress in rebuilding affected communities.
Key Provisions
The resolution includes detailed "Whereas" clauses outlining the historical context and impacts of the hurricanes, followed by a "Resolved" section with four main directives for the House of Representatives:
- Express support for the victims of both hurricanes.
- Commend the efforts of individuals and organizations involved in recovery.
- Recognize the ongoing contributions of communities in Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, Florida, Texas, and Georgia to the United States.
- Reaffirm the House's commitment to rebuilding, renewing, and restoring the Gulf Coast region.
It details the storms' toll, including fatalities (e.g., 1,833 for Katrina, 120 for Rita), economic damage (e.g., $161 billion for Katrina, $10 billion for Rita), displacement of over 1 million people per storm, destruction of homes and businesses, power outages affecting millions, and infrastructure failures like bridge collapses.
The resolution also praises response efforts by entities such as the U.S. Coast Guard (over 33,000 rescues for Katrina), U.S. Armed Forces, American Red Cross, Habitat for Humanity, and first responders, as well as recovery milestones like population growth in Mississippi's Gulfport-Biloxi-Pascagoula area (87% increase since 2006) and tourism rebound in New Orleans (from 3.7 million visitors in 2006 to 17.5 million in 2022).
Significant Changes to Existing Law
None. As a congressional resolution, this is a non-binding expression of sentiment and does not amend, repeal, or enact any laws. It serves a commemorative and supportive role rather than legislative change.
Potential Impacts
- On citizens: Provides symbolic recognition and moral support to survivors and displaced residents, potentially boosting community morale and awareness of ongoing challenges like unemployment and displacement. It may encourage continued private and public investment in recovery.
- On government agencies: No direct mandates, but it reaffirms congressional backing for federal efforts (e.g., by FEMA, referenced in the text), which could indirectly influence future funding or policy priorities for disaster recovery in the Gulf Coast.
- On international relations: Minimal to none, as the focus is domestic; it does not address foreign aid or global climate issues related to hurricanes.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- Victims and residents: Primarily those in Gulf Coast states (Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, Florida, Texas, and Georgia), including over 1 million displaced individuals from each storm and their descendants.
- Recovery organizations and first responders: Groups like the U.S. Coast Guard, Armed Forces, American Red Cross, Habitat for Humanity, Salvation Army, and local police/fire/medical personnel who aided in rescues and rebuilding.
- Communities and businesses: Local governments, tourism sectors (e.g., New Orleans), and small businesses in affected areas, benefiting from highlighted progress and renewed commitment to restoration.
- Federal and state entities: Congress, FEMA, and state agencies involved in long-term recovery, as the resolution underscores their roles and the need for ongoing work.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications
- Legal/Constitutional: No implications, as resolutions like this do not carry the force of law and do not require presidential approval or affect constitutional rights. They are internal House actions.
- Political: Demonstrates bipartisan regional solidarity (introduced by representatives from affected states) and could foster goodwill among constituents in the Gulf South. It highlights resilience amid ongoing challenges, potentially influencing future disaster preparedness legislation or appropriations without binding commitments. The timing (introduced August 29, 2025, aligning with Katrina's anniversary) emphasizes its commemorative intent.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Cosponsors (6)
Rep. Higgins, Clay [R-LA-3], Rep. Letlow, Julia [R-LA-5], Rep. Guest, Michael [R-MS-3], Rep. Kelly, Trent [R-MS-1], Rep. Carter, Troy A. [D-LA-2], Rep. Fields, Cleo [D-LA-6]
Recent Actions
- 2025-08-30: Referred to the Subcommittee on Economic Development, Public Buildings, and Emergency Management.
- 2025-08-29: Referred to the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure.
- 2025-08-29: Submitted in House
- 2025-08-29: Submitted in House
Bill Versions
- Observing the 20th anniversary of the dates on which Hurricane Katrina and Hurricane Rita devastated the Gulf Coast and recognizing the progress of efforts to rebuild the affected Gulf Coast region. — issued 2025-08-29 — PDF (5 pages)