ED GORDON, host: From NPR News, this is NEWS & NOTES.  I'm Ed Gordon.</s>ED GORDON, host: Officials in Houston say the Astrodome is full.  Many survivors of      Hurricane Katrina were being bused from the Superdome in New Orleans to      the Astrodome. Yesterday, New Orleans Mayor Ray Nagin issued an urgent      appeal for aid.  Last night, members of Congress approved a bill to send      $10 1/2 billion to help areas battered by Katrina, but many people have      become frustrated and angry waiting for help in the sweltering heat of      communities without electricity, security, sanitation or drinking water.      People demanded to know when relief would arrive.  President Bush tried      to address those concerns by emphasizing that emergency aid is on the      way.</s>ED GORDON, host: President GEORGE W. BUSH:  We all know this is an agonizing time for the      people of the Gulf Coast.  I ask their continued patience as recovery      operations unfold.  I can assure them that the thoughts and prayers of      the entire nation are with them and their loved ones.  I'm also confident      that when it's all said and done, the efforts to rebuild the great city      of New Orleans and to rebuild those communities in Mississippi and help      the folks in Alabama will make this nation a stronger place.</s>ED GORDON, host: The president also ordered the military to launch a massive      relief effort to help hurricane survivors.
The mayor of New Orleans has issued an "urgent SOS" for help, and has openly criticized the federal government's response to the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina. The president plans to tour devastated areas Friday, and Congress is expected to approve $10 billion in emergency aid. Meanwhile, frustrations rise as many victims of the hurricane are still without food, water and other basic necessities.