[Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: George H. W. Bush (1992-1993, Book II)]
[August 31, 1992]
[Pages 1454-1455]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]



Remarks on Hurricane Andrew Recovery Efforts
August 31, 1992

    The President. Let me just make a brief statement because it's been 
a very busy day regarding the hurricane and trying to help the victims 
thereof. I met today with the homebuilders, the volunteer organizations, 
a lot of the Federal officials. And at this meeting we're going to be 
talking with representatives of the insurance companies and small 
business.
    We are exploring the medium and longer term needs of the hurricane 
aftermath. This has got to be a long-term commitment, as I'm sure 
everyone here knows. And it's going to take months, literally, to 
rebuild these communities. In many ways the hardest work is yet to come. 
And these will be the times that test this commitment, to guarantee to 
the victims of this terrible tragedy that we're with them for the long 
haul.
    I want to make one special plea here today. I'd ask the full support 
of the news media on this one, and that is an appeal for all Americans 
to give generously to these volunteer organizations who served so 
valiantly in south Florida and in Louisiana. Today we've talked about 
the complexities of the problems ahead, from building codes and check 
cashing to getting the kids back in school. But the cooperative spirit 
has been fantastic, as I'm sure Pat Saiki knows, who is head of our 
Small Business Administration. I just would strongly urge the American 
people to participate in any way they can by supporting these volunteer 
organizations. I'll tell you more about that, but they are doing a 
superb job. And they need the support of everybody.
    And so thank you all very much for being here. I want to shift here 
and get from you the size of the insurance problem that's facing the 
people there, how we can help, the Federal Government can help. I'll be 
glad to tell you about our Federal efforts in which I have great 
confidence. The military has moved in. They're doing very well. But the 
volunteers, I'll tell you, it's really the best in the American spirit, 
what's happening there.
    Q. Mr. President, do you plan to go back to Florida and----
    The President. Oh, I will, yes. Let me simply say that I'll--leaving 
at 5:45 in the morning to go back down there, going to Florida. At 5:45 
Barbara and I will leave. Secretary Cheney will be joining me. We will 
have a chance to talk to the top civilian and military and some of the 
volunteer

[[Page 1455]]

leaders. And then we'll fly over to Louisiana, touch base there, and be 
back here tomorrow evening.

                    Note: The President spoke at 4:25 p.m. in the 
                        Roosevelt Room at the White House.