Gene Taylor Cosponsors "Gulf Coast Civic Works Act"

McClatchy - Gulf Coast activists protest at FEMA headquarters

Trinh Le, a community development coordinator from Biloxi, Miss., said, "If you drive around Biloxi, you see vacant lots and empty building." Residents face high insurance rates, she said, and "Vietnamese shrimpers are having a hard time making ends meet."

Gulfport, Miss., resident Derrick Evans said he came to Washington out of solidarity with volunteers from Turkey Creek, a historic African American community.

"There is an affordable housing crisis of epic proportions," he said. "A dry roof over a toxic trailer beats no roof at all."

The groups support the Gulf Coast Civic Works Act, a bill co-sponsored by several members, including Reps. Gene Taylor, D-Miss., Charlie Melancon, D-La., and Rep. Rodney Alexander, R-La., that would create 100,000 jobs in the region through construction and development projects.

The bill failed to get any traction in the last congressional session. It was re-introduced in the House in early May.