Congress Considers Emergency Session Regarding Hurricane Aid; Economy Takes Hit

Several media outlets reported Thursday afternoon that Congress is considering a special meeting later today or Friday to debate and get passed an emergency aid package for the Hurricane Katrina victims

House Speaker Dennis Hastert reportedly approached House Democratic leader Nancy Pelosi to arrange a special meeting. Congress has been on a month-long recess that was to have ended on Tuesday.

House and Senate leaders are reportedly discussing a $10 billion emergency spending bill as an initial start of new funds for the hurricane relief that has devastated Mississippi and Louisiana.

Meantime, reports say that it is still too dangerous in many parishes in Louisiana and towns and cities in Mississippi to get claims adjusters on the ground to inspect properties. Reports of gunfire and fires being set added to the difficulty already presented by the floods and winds from Katrina, that destroyed or damaged so many properties.

Finally, the impact of Katrina has also hit Americans at the pump. Gas prices soared in the last 24 hours nationwide. One station in Georgia was reportedly selling regular unleaded for over $5.50 a gallon.