Government Policy Newslinks


Nearly 200 press releases and statements have been posted on the websites of public policy-oriented organizations dealing with rescue and recovery operations since Hurricane Katrina decimated the Gulf Coast and caused disastrous flooding in New Orleans on August 29.

Our daily Government Policy Newslinks reports have also included several hundred more Katrina-related press releases and statements which have been issued by federal government and Capitol Hill offices. These governmental and congressional press releases and statements can be accessed by clicking on the links to each day's edition which appear below and at the top of each daily listing.

HURRICANE KATRINA: August 30 through September 26
Click on this link to receive Government Policy Newslinks every day.
 


Click on this link for today's edition: Monday, September 26 


Friday, September 23

American Medical Association
Urges Congress to provide additional funding for patients and physicians devastated by Hurricane Katrina

Consumers Union
Offers insurance solutions in dealing with the Katrina aftermath

Human Rights Watch
Officers deserted a jail building, leaving inmates locked in cells

Independent Community Bankers of America
Praises beneficial Katrina tax relief package

Milken Institute
Katrina could cost 400,000 jobs, but most will return by 2006 with reconstruction efforts

National Association of Chain Drug Stores
Electronic medication histories assist in securing medicines for hurricane evacuees

National Rifle Association
Files lawsuit to stop firearm seizures in New Orleans

Sierra Club
Updates fact sheet to counter effort to blame environmentalists for levee failures

Southern Governors' Association
Endorses health emergency relief legislation for hurricane victims


Thursday, September 22

Family Research Council
Supports Republican study committee's plan to offset cost of hurricane relief effort

National Council of La Raza
Latino organizations blast Homeland Security Secy. Chertoff for detaining Katrina victims

National Taxpayers Union
Backs bid to trim budget fat to offset recovery costs of Hurricanes Katrina and Rita

National Tour Association
Urges Bush Administration to include tourism as part of hurricane recovery

National Women's Law Center
House Republicans propose to pay for hurricane recovery by cutting programs for low-income Americans

Property Casualty Insurers Association of America
Urges FEMA to create Mobile Adjusting and Support Headquarters (MASH) units in Louisiana

U.S. Public Interest Research Group
Outlines environmental health concerns from Hurricane Katrina


Wednesday, September 21

Common Cause
Independent panel must investigate government response to Katrina


Tuesday, September 20

American Red Cross
Projects Hurricane Katrina most costly relief effort in its history

Urges caution as Louisiana residents begin to return home

U.S. Chamber of Commerce
Warns barrage of Katrina-related lawsuits will slow hurricane relief efforts


Monday, September 19

American Federation of State County & Municipal Employees
President laid out initiatives that will provide real relief for hurricane victims

American Insurance Association
Mississippi Attorney General lawsuit against insurers 'groundless'

American Rivers
Condemns post-Katrina campaign to blame environmentalists for excessive damage

Concord Coalition
Calls for 'pork' rescission and tax cut freeze in response to Katrina

Humane Society
Temporary animal shelter in Hattiesburg is holding 500 rescued Katrina pets

Poor evacuation plans to blame for captive dolphins being swept out to sea by Katrina

Moveon.org
Ineffective response to Katrina exposes 4 years of wrong priorities

NAACP
Hurricane relief efforts should address poverty crisis in America

NAACP Legal Defense Fund
Civil rights organizations urge fairness for African Americans in hurricane recovery spending

National Association of Mutual Insurance Companies
"Outrageous" Mississippi suit seeks retroactive changes in insurance coverage

National Association of Securities Dealers
Issues alert warning to investors of stock fraud after Katrina

National Education Association
Providing private school vouchers to storm victims is political relief, not practical relief

Portland Cement Association
Record cement demand predicted after Hurricane Katrina

Project on Government Oversight
Katrina-related federal procurement legislation will benefit profiteers

Sierra Club
Leaked Justice Dept. email shows Bush Administration trying to blame environmentalists for disaster


Friday, September 16

Business Software Alliance
Hurricane relief heightens need for focus on health information technology

Consumers Union
Urges adoption of key hurricane relief measures

Foundation for Taxpayer and Consumer Rights
Katrina survivors having to wait too long for copies of insurance policies

Humane Society
Sens. Ensign, Santorum speak out on Hurricane Katrina's impact on pets

National Alliance on Mental Illness
Criticizes FEMA for ignoring mentally ill in hurricane relief efforts

National Association of Home Builders
Tells Congress how to address critical housing needs in Katrina's aftermath

National Association of Realtors
Proposes legislative remedies to help Katrina evacuees recover their homes

National Multi Housing Council
Apartment groups eager to help Congress meet housing needs of hurricane victims

National Trust for Historic Preservation
Announces campaign to preserve historic and cultural resources affected by hurricane

Property Casualty Insurers Association of America
Mississippi Attorney General's lawsuit over flood insurance is more about politics than justice

Sierra Club
Outlines 7 principles for rebuilding the Gulf Coast

Critics of National Environmental Policy Act use Katrina as excuse to remove environmental safeguards

Southern Governors' Association
Urges Congress to approve 100% Medicaid reimbursement for storm victims

Taxpayers for Common Sense
Lack of price tag makes President Bush's speech "more about political damage control than disaster relief"


Thursday, September 15

AFL-CIO
Calls on Labor Secy. Chao to protect workers' rights in Katrina aftermath

President Bush is using hurricane relief to push anti-worker, right-wing agenda

American Association for Cancer Research
Seeks safe workplace for cancer researchers who were displaced by storm

American Medical Association
House passes bill to protect hurricane "Good Samaritan" volunteers from lawsuits

American Rivers
Levees on Army Corps of Engineers repair list were upriver from New Orleans

American Tort Reform Association
Applauds House approval of "Good Samaritan" bill, "Volunteers should not fear liability"

America's Community Bankers
Federal Reserve must support cash economy that has surfaced in storm-hit region

Association of Trial Lawyers of America
Liability protection for volunteers is effort to distract attention from government's failures

Cato Institute
Recommends budget cuts to offset spending for hurricane recovery

Families USA
100 organizations ask Congress to provide emergency Medicaid for Katrina survivors

Food Marketing Institute
Food retailers and wholesalers seek support to serve families returning home after storm

Independent Community Bankers of America
Unprecedented cooperation and coordination help to restore service to storm victims

National Association of Realtors
Demand spikes for commercial real estate around Katrina disaster zone

Real Estate Roundtable
Tax code can be important resource for helping rebuild storm-ravaged areas

Travel Industry Association of America
Travel industry announces thousands of jobs for hurricane-displaced workers


Wednesday, September 14

American Federation of Government Employees
Questions diversion of veterans health care funding during Hurricane Katrina relief effort

American Petroleum Institute
Hurricane Katrina impact on gasoline supply and prices

American Society for Microbiology
Infectious disease threats from common, not exotic, diseases in wake of Katrina

Community Associations Institute
Urges flexibility in Katrina aftermath

Competitive Enterprise Institute
Environmental groups opposed flood protection

Consumers Union
Calls for emergency Medicaid for Katrina survivors

National Association of Professional Insurance Agents
Endorses creation of public-private natural catastrophe fund

National Association of Realtors
Hurricane has mixed long-term impact for housing and economy

Sierra Club
Fact sheet on environmental lawsuits that blocked construction of flood control levees


Tuesday, September 13

Competitive Enterprise Institute
Labor regulations suspended to aid hurricane recovery

Consumers Union
Groups call for emergency Medicaid for Katrina survivors

Texas groups call for 6-month utility deposit waiver for Katrina victims

Humane Society
Animal rescues continue on land and water in hurricane ravaged Gulf Coast

National Council of Jewish Women
Hurricane Katrina exposes need to realign priorities

National Education Association
Suspension of Davis-Bacon law makes hurricane recovery efforts more difficult

National Rifle Association
Criticizes New Orleans authorities for seizing legal firearms from lawful residents

Nature Conservancy
Proposes renewed coastal conservation in the wake of Hurricane Katrina

Property Casualty Insurers Association of America
Congressional Briefing Notebook: Hurricane Katrina response

Conducted briefing for LA, MS and AL congressional delegations on Katrina response


Monday, September 12

American Association of Colleges of Nursing
Nursing schools nationwide are mobilized to accommodate students and faculty displaced by Hurricane Katrina

American Federation of Government Employees
Praises FEMA workers for valiant effort in spite of management failings

American Medical Association
Offers expanded access to database to help expedite licensure for physicians displaced by Hurricane Katrina

American Red Cross
Facts at a Glance: American Red Cross response to Hurricane Katrina

Committee to Protect Journalists
Reporters face police violence and restrictions in Katrina aftermath

Foundation for Taxpayer and Consumer Rights
Louisiana commissioner wrong to protect insurance companies at expense of hurricane survivors

Gun Owners of America
Denounces gun confiscations in New Orleans

National Medical Association
Federal response to hurricane is "a national disgrace"

Property Casualty Insurers Association of America
Posts compendium of Internet sources of Katrina-related insurance information and resources

RESULTS
Calls on Congress to cancel spending cuts for health care and food stamps

Sierra Club
Blaming Katrina on environmentalists is "dog that won't hunt"

UNICEF
UNICEF "trick-or-treat" proceeds will be split for Katrina's child victims


Friday, September 9

AFL-CIO
Outraged at Bush's waiving of Davis-Bacon pay standard for ensuring quality work and decent living standards in Hurricane ravaged areas

American Forest & Paper Association
Katrina's toll on timber industry valued at $1.3 billion

Americans for Tax Reform
Hurricane victims will have their homes and businesses built faster thanks to the president

Anti-Defamation League
Condemns remarks by Shas leader who says hurricane was 'retribution' for Gaza pullout

Century Foundation
Lessons from 9/11 on the need to help Katrina survivors deal

Consumers Union
Texas regulators asked to waive security deposits for Katrina victims

Foundation for Taxpayer and Consumer Rights
Insurers should not be allowed to deny Hurricane Katrina claims based on flood exclusion

Project on Government Oversight
House hurricane relief bill exposes contractors at the pig trough

Religious Action Center of Reform Judaism
Denounces despicable statement on Hurricane Katrina by Israeli Rabbi

Simon Wiesenthal Center
Condemns former Israeli Chief Rabbi's statement that hurricane is "God's punishment"

United Automobile Workers
Juxtaposition of Census Bureau report and images of hurricane victims provides "picture of two Americas impossible to ignore"


Thursday, September 8

American Petroleum Institute
Addresses Congress on impact of Katrina

Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington
Files freedom of information requests with Homeland Security and FEMA seeking answers to failure of hurricane relief efforts

Competitive Enterprise Institute
Discusses what it will take to rebuild New Orleans

Humane Society
Pleads with federal, state, local agencies to help rescue thousands of stranded pets

National Association of Broadcasters
Distributes 1,300 battery-operated tvs to augment hurricane relief efforts

National Association of Counties
Announces long-range recovery effort to help rebuild Gulf Coast

National Multi-Housing Council
Apartment industry seeks temporary waiver of federal housing regulations to help hurricane victims

National Treasury Employees Union
Bureau of Customs and Border Protection employees volunteer for hurricane relief duty

National Women's Law Center
Relief for storm victims and millions more living in poverty should be top congressional priority

Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers Association
Drug companies send $45 million in medicines and health care materiel to storm-ravaged region

Property Casualty Insurers Association of America
Explaining the difference between homeowners/property insurance and flood insurance

Updates insurance issues related to Hurricane Katrina

Sierra Club
Updated Ground Zero report examines government's failure to protect citizens in Katrina's wake


Wednesday, September 7

       Center on Budget and Policy Priorities
            Congress needs to reconsider current policies, determine what best serves the nation,
            while facing challenges in the wake of Hurricane Katrina

Property Casualty Insurers Association of America
    Frequently asked hurricane insurance questions
    Updates insurance issues related to Hurricane Katrina

U.S. Fund for UNICEF
    United Nations offer of aid to U.S. hurricane victims is a first


Tuesday, September 6

American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy
    Blunting Katrina's aftershocks through energy conservation and efficiency

American Forest and Paper Association
    Will identify needs of local forestry and mill communities

American Humane Society
    Relief efforts for animal victims under way

American Medical Association
    HHS coordinating volunteer physicians to help Hurricane Katrina victims

American Petroleum Institute
    Recommendations focus on restoring tank operations after flooding

American Red Cross
    One week after Katrina's Gulf Coast assault, the American Red Cross is setting a record relief pace
    Urges public health precautions
    Facts at a glance: American Red Cross response to Hurricane Katrina

American Veterinary Medical Association
    Four Veterinary Medical Assistance Teams have been simultaneously deployed

College of American Pathologists
    Proficiency testing shipments scheduled to ship to affected states will be postponed

Community Transportation Association
    Calls for flexibility in aftermath of hurricane

Cystic Fibrosis Foundation
    Makes drugs available to Cystic Fibrosis patients affected by Hurricane Katrina

FactCheck.org
    Bush slashed funding for levee projects, but Army Corps of Engineers says Katrina was too strong

Independent Petroleum Association of America
    Combines resources at all levels to provide needed assistance

National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers
    Providing relief to 5,000 displaced Gulf Coast lawyers

National Association of Home Builders
    Hurricane damage can have impact on overall economy and housing market

National Association of Professional Insurance Agents
    Calls on members to provide housing assistance to displaced insurance agents

National Association of Securities Dealers
    Guidance on allowing storm-ravaged customers continued access to their accounts

National Association of Truck Stop Operators
    IRS waives diesel fuel penalty due to Hurricane Katrina

National Business Aviation Association
    Moves November convention from New Orleans to Orlando

National Electrical Manufacturers Association
    Distributes brochure about dangers of using water-damaged electrical equipment

National Kidney Foundation
    Offers information, resources to kidney patients affected by Hurricane Katrina

North American Securities Administrators Association
    State securities commissions are open for business in Alabama, Florida, Louisiana and Mississippi

Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine
    Animal rights' group says forcing evacuees to abandon companion animals traumatizes them further

Property Casualty Insurers Association of America
    Insurers offer post-storm recovery tips
    Update on insurance issues related to Hurricane Katrina

Save the Children
    Helping children cope with Hurricane Katrina

Worldwatch Institute
    U.S. economic and political decisions fail to acknowledge dependence on healthy resource base


Friday, September 2

American Association of Blood Banks
    U.S. blood supply adequate to handle demands resulting from Hurricane Katrina

American Red Cross
    Launches immense relief effort to meet unprecedented humanitarian needs

Farm Bureau
    Katrina's impact felt throughout the farm country

Humane Society
    Mississippi Humane Society helping animal victims of hurricane

Insurance Information Institute
    Offers advice for Hurricane Katrina damage recovery

National Air Transportation Association
    Hurricane Katrina's impact on petroleum production forces meeting postponement

National Association of Broadcasters
    Pledges $100 million for hurricane relief fund

National Association of Truck Stop Operators
    Truckstop and travel plaza industry working to meet demand after Hurricane Katrina

National Business Aviation Association
    Cancels convention in New Orleans

National Tour Association
    Appeals to Small Business Administration for disaster recovery loans

North American Securities Administrators Association
    Advises investors to beware of hurricane-related investment scams

Property Casualty Insurers Association of America
    Current insurance issues regarding Hurricane Katrina, policyholders must have patience

Sierra Club
    Hurricane Katrina leaves toxic soup in its wake


Thursday, September 1

American Council on Education
    Calls on colleges, universities to aid students displaced by Hurricane Katrina

American Rivers
    Hurricane Katrina has left a trail of destruction along the Gulf Coast

National Association of the Deaf
    Marriott Corp. claims New Orleans convention site suffered no structural damage from hurricane

National Electrical Manufacturers Association
    Warns hurricane victims about hazards from using water-damaged electrical appliances

National Funeral Directors Association
    Activates relief fund to assist funeral businesses that have been damaged or destroyed by storm

National Trust for Historic Preservation
    Announces grants and technical aid for repairing storm damage to historic areas

Property Casualty Insurers Association of America
    What consumers need to know about flood insurance

U.S. Chamber of Commerce
    Marshals business response to Hurricane Katrina devastation


Wednesday, August 31

American Bureau of Shipping
    Establishes post-Katrina support systems to offer uninterrupted service

Competitive Enterprise Institute
    Hurricane Katrina shows weaknesses of energy supply chain

Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of America
    Highlights myths and facts about National Flood Insurance Program

International Association of Fire Chiefs
    First responders urged not to respond to hurricane impact areas unless dispatched by state, local authorities

National Business Aviation Association
    Hurricane damage includes blow against New Orleans' tourist and convention industry

National Propane Gas Association
    Safety tips for propane users affected by storm or flood disasters

National Restaurant Association
    Impact of storm on restaurants and employees in Gulf Coast

Planned Parenthood Federation of America
    Offers free birth control and emergency contraception for women fleeing Hurricane Katrina

Property Casualty Insurers Association of America
    Hurricane Katrina--Latest insurance developments
    Hundreds of business forced to close; business interruption insurance may provide assistance


Tuesday, August 30

American Petroleum Institute
    Katrina causes shutdown of offshore production platforms, refineries, pipeline operations

American Red Cross
    Launches largest mobilization effort in history for Hurricane Katrina

National Association of Broadcasters
    Teams with American Red Cross on Hurricane Katrina relief efforts

Property Casualty Insurers Association of America
    Lists top home and commercial property insurers by market share in Alabama, Louisiana and Mississippi
    Insurers set up toll-free numbers to assist policyholders with hurricane-related questions and claims
    Insurers position catastrophe teams in staging areas near perimeter of storm to respond to thousands of claims