At a Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Disaster Recovery Subcommittee hearing on FEMA’s progress after Katrina, FEMA’s Deputy Administrator, Admiral Harvey E. Johnson, says the Administration is working hard to remove bureaucratic red tape. He says FEMA released a national response framework to create more streamlined, efficient responses. (0:54)
Dan Patterson reports from his hometown of Cedar Rapids, Iowa. He says it is estimated a volume of water equal to the Mississippi River flowed through Cedar Rapids. The town is devastated, but the people are determined to rebuild. (2:05)
S. Dawn Jones reports on her observations of Cedar Rapids, Iowa City, and other small Iowa towns from the air. She says that the further south she got, the fatter the Mississippi River appeared, making towns like Toolesboro into islands. Areas where the water had receded were obvious because they appeared like swampland rather than green. She also saw houseboats stuck next to a bridge, another type of “lost” home that wouldn’t have been expected. (2:51)
Meredith MacKenzie speaks with Rep. Steve King (R-IA) about the recent flooding in Iowa and his view on energy legislation in the House of Representatives. (8:43)
S. Dawn Jones reports on what the farmers in Iowa are discussing. The flooding not only has delayed corn planting but also has removed nitrogen from the soil, both reducing corn yield. Not only will there be less corn on the market, but there will be less food for animals and therefore less fertilizer for other crops. (3:07)
S. Dawn Jones reports on devastation in downtown Cedar Rapids, including buildings with severe structural damage, and displaced fish swimming in the street. (2:01)
Dan Patterson reports on the water level, the status of homes, and estimated damages to the crops outside Cedar Rapids, Iowa. (2:45)
S. Dawn Jones interviews James Bell on the cleaning out of a retirement home in preparation for rebuilding. James says he sees devastation everywhere, with everyone throwing their possessions, now trash, on the curb. James explains that he is not able to even return to his home. (2:51)
A photo of the items cleaned out of the building can be seen on our Flickr page.
S. Dawn Jones reports from Cedar Rapids, Iowa, where roads are being reopened. Large pools of water remain, and road conditions are muddy. There is still a risk of levee breaches and more flooding. (1:51)
Briefer: Tony Fratto,
President’s Schedule:
At 9.45 am, President Bush is briefed on the Midwest flooding situations. At 10:20 am, the President meets with the Former Commander of the International Security Assistance Force in the Oval Office of the White House. This afternoon, President Bush will make remarks in honor of Black Music Month.
Deputy White House Press Secretary Tony Fratto will brief the press at 12.30 pm today. (more…)
