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The Republican governor was also positive about the future of his state.

"We're focused less now on relief," Barbour said. "We're deep into recovery and ready to start rebuilding. Progress is being made every day.

"Our people are upbeat and optimistic," he added. "They're not into moping or whining or into victimhood. They're self-reliant, they're resilient, and they're already rebuilding."

Barbour's attitude was echoed by Rep. Peter King (R-N.Y.), who recently toured the area devastated by Katrina.

Along with citing the "incredible job the military has done" keeping the situation under control in New Orleans, King said he was impressed by "the absolute spirit of the people" in Mississippi. "There's no one there with their head down. They're a tremendous example of the American spirit."

To help maintain that spirit, Rep. Dennis Hastert (R-Ill.) promised: "The House of Representatives is ready to do whatever is necessary to help people in the Gulf Coast lift themselves out of this tragedy.

"That said, we all know that we have a fiscal responsibility throughout this process," the speaker noted. "We want to make sure that taxpayer dollars are being used for their intended purposes and not being misspent."

GOP leaders in the House are "looking at all options" regarding ways to offset spending for hurricane relief, Hastert said. He also repeated a comment made by President Bush during a visit to the disaster-ravaged areas last week: "The Gulf Coast is not alone."

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