House Majority Leader Tom DeLay, R-Sugar Land, told reporters Wednesday that the aftermath of Katrina would be the "House's No. 1 priority for the foreseeable future," effectively putting nonurgent legislation like the repeal of the Wright Amendment on the back burner.
"I think it has blown every issue off course," said Mike Walz, press secretary to Rep. Jeb Hensarling, R-Dallas. Hensarling and Rep. Sam Johnson, R-Plano, are co-sponsors of a bill that would eliminate the flight restrictions on Dallas Love Field.
"We have been single-minded in our efforts on hurricane relief," said Walz, who has "no idea" when lawmakers will refocus on other issues.
Hensarling has just returned from a congressional visit to Iraq where he met with troops and commanders and Iraqi leaders. The Wright Amendment bill, known as the Right to Fly Act, now has 37 supporters, including Rep. Charlie Gonzalez, D-San Antonio, but no hearings have been scheduled.
