Free Republic

Thirty of Texas' 32 House members — and eight of the Houston area's nine lawmakers — supported the emergency aid package. The sole local dissenter was Rep. Ron Paul, R-Lake Jackson, whose district includes some of the areas hit hardest by Ike, including Galveston.

OTTAWA -- Canada has offered to supply the U.S. with troops, military engineers and water purification expertise to assist in relief efforts in devastated areas hit by Hurricane Katrina. Gen. Rick Hillier spoke to his U.S. counterpart Gen. Richard B. Myers late yesterday and made the offer, confirmed Steve Jurgutis, spokesman for Defence Minister Bill Graham. America's health and human services department also contacted the Canadian Public Health Agency yesterday and asked for an inventory of medical supplies and personnel that could be provided. But Canada has yet to receive a request for assistance, Deputy Prime Minister Anne McLellan said....