White House Tries Riding out the Storm

After we find out the White House was alerted to possible levee failures before Hurricane Katrina hit New Orleans -- we hear the White House refusing to cooperate with the Congressional investigation into problems with the hurricane response.

The administration cites "confidentiality" of it's communications.

Should have had the NSA listening in on them, I guess.

The administration also says it won't make top White House leaders available to testify under oath before the two Congressional committees investigating the post disaster disaster.

President Bush has promised publicly in speeches and appearances throughout the Gulf Coast to help rebuild the region.

But the White House has formally notified Rep Richard Baker (R-LA) it won't support his bill to have the federal government bail out homeowners and mortgage lenders. That's something state and local leaders say is crucial to any rebuilding plan.

"Out of the rubbles of Trent Lott's house -- he's lost his entire house -- there's going to be a fantastic house. And I'm looking forward to sitting on the porch." -- President Bush, September 2, 2005

Oh, well. Guess President Bush will have to find some other place to sit. (NYT)