Recognizing Hurricane Katrina's 20th Anniversary

Full Title:
A resolution recognizing the 20th anniversary of Hurricane Katrina.

Summary#

This Senate resolution recognizes the 20th anniversary of Hurricane Katrina (August 29, 2005). It describes the storm's damage and human losses, notes responses by hospitals, charities, States, and international donors, and highlights efforts to strengthen levees and other storm protections after Katrina. The resolution commemorates victims, commends recovery helpers, recognizes communities that sheltered survivors, and reaffirms a commitment to protect the Gulf Coast. It was introduced in the Senate on July 31, 2025, by Senators Cassidy and Kennedy and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.

What it means for you#

The resolution is a formal statement by the Senate that remembers the people affected by Katrina and praises recovery work. It highlights past investments and plans to reduce future storm damage, such as levee improvements, evacuation routes, and flood mitigation. The resolution itself does not change laws or directly provide money; it is a symbolic and declarative action.

Expenses#

The resolution text reports the following figures from Hurricane Katrina and recovery efforts:

  • Damage exceeding $200,000,000,000.
  • 1,822 recorded fatalities (1,577 in Louisiana, 238 in Mississippi, 14 in Florida, 2 in Georgia, 2 in Alabama).
  • Storm surge exceeded 20 feet in some places; 53 breaches in the New Orleans levee system; flooding of about 80 percent of New Orleans.
  • More than 1,200,000 people were under evacuation orders.
  • About 3,000,000 people were left without electricity for weeks.
  • More than $15,000,000,000 was invested in Louisiana's levee system after Katrina.
  • Over 70 countries and international organizations pledged donations in excess of $854,000,000. The resolution does not itself appropriate or authorize federal spending.

Proponents' View#

Supporters say the resolution honors the victims and recognizes the efforts of medical workers, charities, neighboring States, and volunteers who helped evacuees. The text also credits investments in levees and infrastructure improvements and calls for continued action to strengthen flood mitigation and flood insurance affordability for vulnerable communities.

Opponents' View#

No publicly available information.