Number: RS22305
Title: War Bonds in the Second World War: A Model for Hurricane Recovery Bonds?
Authors: James M. Bickley, Government and Finance Division 
Abstract: Severe damage and dislocations resulting from Hurricanes Katrina and Rita have rekindled congressional interest in the concept of the sale of a Treasury security to finance recovery and relief operations. The question has been raised whether or not the issuance of war bonds during the Second World War serves as a good model for new "hurricane recovery bonds." Two bills have been introduced that would permit the issuance of some form of hurricane relief bond: H.R. 3892 and H.R. 3935. The report concludes that the war bonds program in World War II is a problematic model for hurricane relief bonds.
Pages: 6
Date: October 20, 2005