When Congress convenes this week, two things should take priority.

Resources must be marshaled for the rebuilding of the Gulf Coast, without plugging millions of dollars in special-interest pork into the bill. Furthermore, past legislation that will make it more difficult for people to recover should be reconsidered.

Lobbyists are already licking their lips, hoping to score some quick federal cash by attaching their pet cause to the must-pass emergency legislation expected to come from Congress. A small line or a little added language can result in huge benefits for people looking to capitalize on the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina. That can’t be allowed to happen.

Second, Congress needs to take a new look at the Bankruptcy Reform Act of 2005. Hundreds of thousands of homes and small businesses have been wiped off the face of the Earth. But while inventories and personal belongings are all gone, along with jobs and paychecks, debt will remain.

The “reform” that passed earlier this year masqueraded as an effort to crack down on spendthrifts who have abused the credit system. The law, which takes effect Oct. 15, will make it harder for everyone, including the victims of Katrina, to get a fresh start.

The law was a miserable example of one industry’s reach into the halls of power, but Congress can undue its mistake.

Unlike Speaker of the House Dennis Hastert, who told the Daily Herald that it might not make sense to rebuild New Orleans, we think the city should be rebuilt. It’s one of the country’s culture icons.

Congress is expected to pass an emergency appropriation of $10 billion or more to begin the recovery efforts. If members of Congress are serious, they won’t include wasteful spending on somebody’s pet project. And they won’t stop there.

People need help. Congress has the opportunity to deliver. The question is whether or not its members can control themselves when the checkbook is open. In the past, they haven’t. This disaster demands better behavior.