WASHINGTON -- United States Senator Mary L. Landrieu, D-La., issued the following statement today regarding Vice Admiral Thad Allen replacing Michael Brown as the on-site head of hurricane relief operations.

Sen. Landrieu said:

"Two problems have prevented FEMA from fulfilling its duty: a lack of leadership and a lack of resources. The Administration has fixed half of that equation today. Now we must find a way to fix the rest.

"FEMA has proven to be a shell of what it once was and has been unable and seemingly unwilling to provide the direct and immediate resources necessary in the aftermath of the most devastating natural disaster in American history. We must ensure that the much-needed resources reach our first responders and emergency workers on the ground and are not slowed by Washington.

"Vice Admiral Allen brings serious credentials to the table and the people of Louisiana are supportive of all the work he and the Coast Guard have done over the past two weeks to help save lives and bring hope to our state."