We applaud the city of Arlington and the State of Texas for opening their hearts and doors to Gulf Coast evacuees who so desperately needed help.

I'm from the gulf coast of Louisiana.

There are 26 refineries in the Texas-Gulf Coast area that are potentially in the path of this hurricane.

All of us have seen the pictures of devastation along the Gulf Coast, and our hearts and prayers go out to those families-- especially to the people of New Orleans, which so recently hosted our National Biennial Conference. Like all Americans, we want to help, and we plan to do so by getting additional officers down to the affected areas.

My great-grandchildren will not be able to enjoy the Gulf Coast of Louisiana the way I have.

Thirty percent of the Nation's energy comes off the gulf coast.