Rep. Tom Tancredo, R-Colo., on Wednesday urged Congress to not send hurricane aid directly to Louisiana state officials or the city of New Orleans. "Given the abysmal failure of state and local officials in Louisiana to plan adequately for or respond to the effects of Hurricane Katrina on the city of New Orleans, and given the long history of public corruption in Louisiana," Tancredo wrote in a letter to House Speaker Dennis Hastert, R-Ill., "I am not confident that Louisiana officials can be trusted to administer federal relief aid."

"It's a shame instead of offering constructive advice and assistance, a United States congressman is wasting our time with stereotypes and accusations," said Brian Richardson, a spokesman for Sen. Mary Landrieu, D-La. "Louisiana will rebuild with or without Mr. Tancredo's help."