We can't even get in there to have a chance to look at that and see the condition of the infrastructure.

The system is in great shape, but the levees are sinking. If we don't get the money fast enough to raise them, then we can't stay ahead of the settlement. The problem is the federal funds have dried up.

The water does circulate out of the basin eventually. But it depends a lot on meteorological conditions, which we really don't have much control or much knowledge of, at least not here.

It's possible to protect New Orleans from a Category 5 hurricane. To do nothing is tantamount to negligence.

I can't go above it by law. That's what I am authorized to do. Anything above that means I have to spend money that Congress specifically authorizes for that purpose. Only then we can go build it. It's not simple.

If you don't install some type of substantial hurricane protection along the Gulf coast it's going to be very hard to re-assure people. There were some very sound military and economic reasons for the city to be where it was. Now the policy-makers have to decide whether those reasons are enough to keep it there.