Cong. GOPers, backed by the WH, "are using relief measures" for Katrina to "achieve a broad range of conservative economic and social policies, both in the storm zone and beyond." They are working on legislation: 1) to limit victims' rights to sue; 2) offer vouchers for displaced school children; 3) lift environmental restrictions; 4) create "tax-advantaged enterprise zones" to "maximize private-sector participation in recovery and reconstruction." Rep. Mike Pence (R-IN): "The desire to bring conservative, free-market ideas to the Gulf Coast is white hot. We want to turn the

NEWS ADVISORY Contact: Department of Justice, 202-514-2008 Alice S. Fisher, Assistant Attorney General for the Criminal Division; Chris Swecker, FBI Assistant Director of the Criminal Investigative Division; and Mary Elcano, American Red Cross General Counsel, will hold a press conference on efforts to combat fraud related to Hurricane Katrina charitable donations TODAY, SEPTEMBER 13, 2005 at 1:30 p.m. EDT. WHO: -- Alice S. Fisher, Assistant Attorney General for the Criminal Division -- Chris Swecker, FBI Assistant Director of the Criminal Investigative Division

The Senate this week may rush through a Katrina tax-relief package. For individuals, the package would exempt taxes on debt that is forgiven and waive the penalty tax on early retirement-plan withdrawals. Other incentives include a tax credit to encourage employers to hire Katrina evacuees, and for companies in the disaster zone to temporarily retain evacuees on their payroll. For people who house evacuees, the legislation would provide an additional $500 personal exemption for every dislocated person not already included on a taxpayer's return. A slew of other provisions would encourage

Americans have contributed at least $739-million to help victims of Hurricane Katrina. The pace of giving is unprecedented in American history. In the 10 days after the 2001 terrorist attacks, Americans donated $239-million to charitable causes, and in the nine days after the tsunamis hit, major American relief groups raised $173-million. Still, the contributions do not yet come close to the total amount raised in the wake of those disasters. After the 2001 terrorist attacks, charities raised more than $2.2-billion and U.S. charities have collected nearly $1.3-billion for the tsunamis.