More FEMA Katrina Problems

Congressional committee testimony that luxury hotels billed the federal government up to $438 a night for Hurricane Katrina evacuees raised the prospect of a potential price-gouging investigation Monday. While Skinner did not name the hotel, the Senate panel later identified it as the Millenium Hilton in Manhattan's financial district. The website for the hotel advertises 42-inch plasma TVs in most rooms. Skinner also said FEMA paid up to $375 a night to house Katrina evacuees in Panama City. The Senate panel identified the Florida facility as the Panama City Beachfront Condominiums, whose website says rooms have unobstructed views of the Gulf of Mexico.

"The hotels were taking advantage of an emergency situation involving innocent victims," said Sen. Mark Dayton, D-Minn., after the hearing.

Interesting that senators' first thought is to say the HOTELS were taking advantage of the situation. It couldn't possibly be that the VICTIMS are taking advantage of the fact that the hotel tabs are being picked up by Uncle Sam to enjoy 42-inch plasma TVs and unobstructed Gulf views.