The Red Cross in its disaster response was more than a charity. It was also a federal contractor. It's appropriate for Congress to verify whether taxpayers got their money's worth.

In response to Katrina, SAMHSA has activated its disaster response plan for the Lifeline to ensure all calls are answered. In addition, information on the Lifeline is being distributed in the impacted areas through established national, state and local networks to help make the number widely available and accessible to those in need.

My response will be swift, but it'll have to be done at the appropriate time. It has to run its course.

If Congress does its job, taxpayers won't suffer any tax increase,

I think the FBI has shown, going back to January of 1997, its ability to use its power and prestige to curb statements and truths other agencies were willing to give out,

We are pleased to have the American Red Cross, which has long been a leader in emergency preparedness and response, co-sponsor National Preparedness Month 2005, ... The commitment of the American Red Cross and the members of National Preparedness Month Coalition are integral as we work to encourage all Americans to prepare for emergencies. As leaders in their communities, these organizations will help spread life saving information and move the entire nation toward a greater state of preparedness.