Big ol’ Hurricane Gustav is a reminder of Katrina, of course, and things have gone quite a bit differently - in part because of good preparation, but mostly because of luck.

When we were unlucky, we were really unlucky. The result was more than $800 per family in government spending. It’s something we featured in a news release here. (This was before the spectacular WashingtonWatch.com blog, you see.)

Here’s a look at the Katrina-related bills we featured shortly in that disaster’s aftermath - passed bills and pending bills. Of the bills pending, H.R. 3863 passed, becoming Public Law 109-86 and spending another $0.38 per family.

As of October 11, 2005:

Bills already passed:

• P.L. 109-61, A bill making emergency supplemental appropriations for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2005, to meet immediate needs arising from the consequences of Hurricane Katrina, and for other purposes. Costs: $120.36
• P.L. 109-62, A bill making further emergency supplemental appropriations to meet immediate needs arising from the consequences of Hurricane Katrina, for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2005, and for other purposes. Costs: $593.78
• P.L. 109-66, The Pell Grant Hurricane and Disaster Relief Act. Costs: $0.02
• P. L. 109-68, The TANF Emergency Response and Recovery Act of 2005. Costs: $68.77
• P. L. 109-73, The Katrina Emergency Tax Relief Act of 2005. Saves: $62.11

Bills still under consideration:

• H.R. 3670, A bill to extend for persons affected by Hurricane Katrina the time for appeal to the United States Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims of certain decisions of the Board of Veterans Appeals that are rendered during the period from June 1, 2005, through November 30, 2005. Costs: $0.01
• H.R. 3863, The Natural Disaster Student Aid Fairness Act. Costs: $0.38
• S. 1716, The Emergency Health Care Relief Act of 2005. Costs: $96.46
• S. 1738, The Special Inspector General for Relief and Reconstruction Act of 2005. Costs: $0.85
• S. 1764, An act to provide for the continued education of students affected by Hurricane Katrina. Costs: $2.43
• S. 1766, The Louisiana Katrina Reconstruction Act. Costs: $1,751.79