Statement By John McCain on Second Anniversary of Hurricane Katrina

Quoted in full:

On the second anniversary of Hurricane Katrina, we pause to remember the victims, family members, and all affected by the tragedy. Let us not forget the bravery and courageousness of everyday heroes who provided a sense of hope in a city of despair.

"The failure of government's response to Katrina is one example of why Americans have lost faith in our government. In the wake of a disaster, the federal government must move expeditiously to aid residents in need. We must use the lessons learned to ensure the federal government and Department of Homeland Security performs better in the tests of future disasters to come.

"I praise the citizens of Louisiana, Mississippi, and the Gulf Coast for their continued resilience and perseverance in rebuilding their communities. Though the storm has long passed, its devastating effects remain. It is important on this anniversary for us to remember our neighbors who are still in need of our support. Our government must do better in the face of natural disasters and as president, I pledge that it will.

Source here.

Statement By John McCain On Remarks Today By Iranian President

Here is the full statement by Senator McCain concerning remarks made earlier by the President of Iran:

Today, we are reminded again about the consequences of failure in Iraq and why the surge and the current counterinsurgency campaign must continue. Iran's Holocaust-denying president today told the media that 'soon we will see a huge power vacuum in the region' as the American effort in Iraq collapses and that his regime is 'prepared to fill the gap' in Iraq. Some time ago, Ayman al-Zawahiri, bin Laden's lieutenant, warned his terror network to 'be ready' to extend the 'jihad wave' to other nations once they 'expel the Americans from Iraq.' This is why it is imperative we give General Petraeus the time and support he needs to continue implementing his new plan, which even leading opponents of the surge, including Senator Clinton, acknowledge is succeeding, and do everything necessary to prevent Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons.

"In the coming month we will face a fork in the road. We can pursue our opportunity for victory in Iraq, strengthen our hand in the larger war against Islamic extremists, and make our nation more secure. Or we can fold our tents, embolden our enemies, throw a region into instability and greater conflict, and increase the risks faced on American soil. That course will make the world a more dangerous place."

Source here.