ARLINGTON, VA -- Today, U.S. Senator John McCain issued the following
statement on Hurricane Ike:
"Today, Cindy and I join every American in offering prayers and
assistance to those along the Gulf Coast reeling from the damage done by
Hurricane Ike. The scope of the destruction is not yet clear, but yesterday I
was briefed by U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security Michael Chertoff and Texas
Governor Rick Perry about the status of their response operation. Their combined
determination to address immediate evacuations and relief support was
encouraging, but I am increasingly concerned that there may have been a
substantial loss of life. We do know that the economic impact from this storm
will be severe. Like most Americans this morning, my concern has been reinforced
by scenes of widespread flooding and ferocious winds. And like most Americans, I
remain concerned about the impact this storm will have on gas prices across the
country, but our priority now must be to help the relief effort in any way we
can, and to pray for the safety of those in the s torm's
path."