[Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: GEORGE W. BUSH (2001, Book I)]
[February 28, 2001]
[Page 159]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]



[[Page 159]]


Exchange With Reporters in Council Bluffs, Iowa
February 28, 2001

Earthquake in Washington State

    Q. Mr. President, any reaction to the earthquake news?
    The President. I talked to the FEMA Director. He is on top of it. He is gathering all the information. 
He is in touch with the officials in the State of Washington. I think 
the Governor is on an airplane now, but as soon as he lands, we'll be in 
touch. Then we will assess whatever damage, and we will provide whatever 
resources are necessary to help the people.
    Q. When were you told?
    The President. I was told in Omaha.
    Q. Do you have a message for the people of Washington?
    The President. Well, God bless, obviously. Anything we can do to 
help, we will do so.
    Q. Can you talk about your contingency plan as part of your budget 
outline and how this----
    The President. Well, we've got money set aside for emergencies such 
as these.

Note: The exchange began at approximately 2:35 p.m. at the Old Carnegie 
Library. In his remarks, the President referred to Gov. Gary Locke of 
Washington. A tape was not available for verification of the content of 
this exchange.