[Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: George H. W. Bush (1992-1993, Book II)]
[September 3, 1992]
[Page 1472]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]



[[Page 1472]]


Statement on Expediting Small Business Administration Loans for 
Hurricane Andrew Victims
September 3, 1992

    I have just met with Administrator Saiki who informed me that the 
Small Business Administration has responded to my request to expedite 
their loan process so that victims of Hurricane Andrew can swiftly 
receive disaster loan checks. SBA loans that typically require 30 to 60 
days will now be processed in just 7 days.
    I have also asked the IRS to be on site so that they can provide tax 
information to the loan applicants whose tax records have been lost or 
destroyed as a result of the hurricane. Treasury Department officials 
will also be there to cut the checks immediately. Today Pat Saiki will 
depart to Florida and Louisiana to deliver the first disaster loan 
checks. By the time they are finished, the SBA will have made thousands 
of loans to businesses and homeowners who are resolved to rebuild their 
neighborhoods, repair their communities, and get on with their lives.
    The SBA is ready to help homeowners and renters qualify for low-
interest, long-term loans to rebuild or repair their homes as well as 
their businesses. Like the rest of the Federal Government, the SBA is in 
for the long haul.