The federal response to Hurricane Katrina came in for withering criticism in the Senate, as lawmakers from both parties blasted the Dept. of Homeland Security and its Federal Emergency Management Agency unit for being unprepared for the massive storm and failing to act quickly or effectively after it hit the Gulf Coast.
Appearing before the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee on Feb. 15, DHS Secretary Michael Chertoff conceded that there were "many lapses that occurred" in his department's efforts to deal with Katrina late last summer. He said he takes responsibility for DHS's actions and also said he is responsible for making needed improvements.