Frist, other senators will travel to Gulf Coast Friday

Montana Sen. Max Baucus, who is the top Democrat on the Senate Finance Committee, will accompany Frist and Senate Minority Leader Harry Reid, D-Nev., on the trip. They are expected to travel to New Orleans, Mobile, Ala. and Biloxi, Miss.

Baucus and Iowa Republican Charles Grassley, chairman of the Finance Committee, proposed a legislative package of tax aid for hurricane victims Monday. Among other assistance, the legislation would allow those affected by the hurricane to tap their retirement accounts without penalty and give families who house evacuees a personal tax exemption.

The bill is expected to be part of a larger relief package that Congress will consider.

“I’m traveling to the disaster area in person because I want to help out in any way I can,” Baucus said in a statement. “Our relief package is one more way Americans can come together to help our friends and neighbors on the Gulf Coast.”

In all seven Democrats and seven Republicans will go on the tour.