WASHINGTON, DC -- "In an effort to ensure that the mistakes made and opportunities missed during the government's response to Hurricane Katrina won't happen again, I join the Democratic Leaders in the House and Senate in calling for an official independent commission to look into the actions of the federal, state, and local governments.  It is imperative that Americans be able to trust their leaders, and have faith in their ability to provide protection - not just from human forces, but from natural forces as well. Only an independent inquiry will produce a reliable report of the mistakes made after Hurricane Katrina and the required steps necessary to avoid another catastrophe."