Gulf Coast Govs. Want More Hurricane Aid [View All]

WASHINGTON - Texas Gov. Rick Perry, a Republican who holds George W. Bush's former job, told Congress Tuesday the federal government has turned its back on the Lone Star State. He demanded an additional $2 billion to repair damage and other hurricane-related costs in Texas.

Perry criticized the federal response to the devastating storms, saying states slammed by Katrina are getting more generous help than his state, which bore the brunt of Hurricane Rita.

"Financial aid has been a fraction of what was promised," Perry told the Senate Appropriations Committee. Funding for housing, education and community development has been shortchanged, he said.

Perry's comments came as four Gulf Coast governors came to Washington to press for funding for relief and rebuilding. Total spending on the devastated region is heading toward the $100 billion mark, but considerably more will be needed, said Govs. Bob Riley, R-Ala., Kathleen Blanco, D-La., Haley Barbour, R-Miss., in addition to Perry.

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/katrina_washington