At the end of a bi-partisan press conference on
hurricane relief measures, Sen. Leahy deviated from the conference’s
message to slam the Department of Homeland Security for their efforts
in the crisis. “You know what drives me up the wall?” he asked.
“People who can’t get water.” He went on, “I voted billions
for the Department of Homeland Security. What in heavens name was
happening? What in the hell couldn’t truckloads of water and physicians
get through?” After his rant, Sen. Frist coaxed Leahy gently away from
the podium. The press conference was scheduled to discuss delaying
Judge Roberts confirmation hearings to focus on Katrina.