[20050923]RS22279_卡特里娜飓风和退伍军人.pdf

Congressional Research Service The Library of CongressCRS Report for CongressReceived through the CRS WebOrder Code RS22279September 23, 2005Hurricane Katrina and VeteransSidath Viranga PanangalaAnalyst in Social LegislationDomestic Social Policy DivisionSummaryHurricane Katrina that struck the Gulf Coast has had a major impact on theDepartment of Veterans Affairs (VA) facilities located in the region. Before and afterthe storm struck VA was able to evacuate patients and staff to other VA facilitieswithout any loss of life. This report provides a brief overview of steps currently takenby VA and Congress to address the needs of veterans in the affected areas. It will beupdated as events warrant.BackgroundHurricane Katrina struck the Gulf Coast on August 29, 2005, causing widespreaddamage in an approximately 90,000 square mile area of the southeastern United States.Furthermore, a key levy protecting the city of New Orleans failed, and much of the cityflooded. This natural disaster has had a major impact on Department of Veterans Affairs(VA) facilities located along the Gulf Coast. This report provides a brief overview ofVAs response to the disaster and steps currently taken by VA and