GAO has undertaken a body of work to address federal, state, and local preparations for, response to, and recovery from Hurricanes Katrina and Rita. This report provides a statement for the record by David M. Walker, Comptroller General of the U.S., of GAO¿s preliminary findings as of Feb. 1, 2006.

Testimony of David Walker, Comptroller Gen. of the U.S., before the Comm. on Homeland Security & Governmental Affairs, U.S. Senate. The size & strength of Hurricane Katrina resulted in one of the largest natural disasters in our nation's history. Hurricane Katrina raised major questions about our nation's readiness & ability to respond to catastrophic disasters. Hurricane Rita increased demands on an already stressed response & recovery effort by all levels of government. The two hurricanes provided a sobering picture of the overwhelming strains on response & recovery if there are back-to-back catastrophic disasters in the same area. Includes recommendations.

The size and strength of Hurricane Katrina resulted in one of the largest natural disasters in our nation's history. Hurricane Katrina raised major questions about our nation's readiness and ability to respond to catastrophic disasters. Hurricane Rita increased demands on an already stressed response and recovery effort by all levels of government. The two hurricanes provided a sobering picture of the overwhelming strains on response and recovery if there are back-toback catastrophic disasters in the same area. GAO has a large body of ongoing work on a range of issues relating to all phases of the preparation, response, recovery, and rebuilding efforts related to Hurricanes Katrina and Rita.

As a result of widespread public interest in the fed. response to hurricanes Katrina & Rita, an audit was conducted of the Individuals & Households Program (IHP). FEMA provided $2,000 in IHP payments to affected households via its Expedited Assistance (EA) program. Victims who received EA may qualify for up to $26,200 in IHP assistance. As of 12/05, IHP payments totaled $5.4 billion, with $2.3 billion provided in the form of EA. These payments were made via checks, electronic fund transfers, & a small no. of debit cards. This report provides the results to date related to whether controls are in place & operating effectively: to limit EA to qualified applicants, & that there weren't duplicate EA payments. Charts & tables.