"As proud as we are of this city and as extraordinary as it is, all of south Louisiana and all of the Gulf Coast is a very special place, and the federal government has underinvested in it year after year after year, whether it's education or health care"

This quote by Mary Landrieu talks to the value of the Gulf Coast region and the requirement for increased financial investment from the federal government. She acknowledges the pride and uniqueness of the area, however also mentions that it has been underfunded in areas such as education and health care. This absence of financial investment has had an unfavorable impact on the area, and Landrieu is calling for the federal government to step up and supply the required resources. She thinks that the Gulf Coast is an unique location that deserves more attention and investment from the federal government. Her words are a reminder that the area requires more assistance in order to prosper and reach its complete capacity.