Press Releases

On the 20th anniversary of Hurricane Katrina’s landfall, Congressman Mike Ezell (MS-4) introduced a resolution in the U.S. House of Representatives today to honor the lives lost and the communities forever changed by Hurricanes Katrina and Rita, and to recognize the ongoing efforts to rebuild and strengthen the Gulf Coast region.

The resolution observes the anniversaries of these two devastating storms and acknowledges the resilience of the people in Mississippi and across the Gulf Coast who came together to recover, rebuild, and move forward in the face of extraordinary loss.

“Twenty years ago today, our Coast faced unimaginable devastation,” Ezell said. “We lost lives, homes, businesses, and a way of life. But we also saw the incredible strength of our people—neighbors helping neighbors, communities refusing to give up, and a region committed to rising again. This resolution honors those we lost, those who served, and the work that continues to this day. This anniversary is not just about remembering what we lost. It’s about recognizing how far we’ve come and recommitting to ensuring our communities are prepared, supported, and never forgotten.”

Hurricane Katrina struck the Gulf Coast on August 29, 2005, followed less than a month later by Hurricane Rita on September 24, compounding destruction across the region. Together, the storms caused over 1,800 deaths and tens of billions in damages, displacing hundreds of thousands of Americans.

Ezell’s resolution highlights not only the tragedy but the long-term recovery efforts, including the rebuilding of homes, schools, and infrastructure, and the determination of Gulf Coast residents who continue to restore and improve their communities two decades later.

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