    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: George W. Bush (2001, Book II)]
    [September 25, 2001]
    [Page 1164]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    [[Page 1164]]

    Letter to the Speaker of the House of Representatives on Emergency
    Funding for Air Carriers
    September 25, 2001

    Dear Mr. Speaker:

        In accordance with provisions of Public Law 107-42, the Air
    Transportation Safety and System Stabilization Act, I am providing up to
    $5 billion to the Department of Transportation's Compensation for Air
    Carriers account. These funds are urgently needed to enable the Nation's
    air carriers to meet the challenges resulting from the terrorist attacks
    of September 11, 2001.

        I designate the entire $5 billion as an emergency requirement in
    accordance with section 252(e) of the Balanced Budget and Emergency
    Deficit Control Act of 1985, as amended. In addition, I have delegated
    the authority vested under section 101(a)(2) of the Air Transportation
    Safety and System Stabilization Act to the Secretary of Transportation.

        The funds contained in this designation are intended to stabilize
    the air transportation industry and compensate air carriers for direct
    losses resulting from the Secretary of Transportation's order to ground
    all aircraft immediately following the attacks, as well as any similar
    orders that may be issued in the future.

        The details of this request are set forth in the enclosed letter
    from the Director of the Office of Management and Budget. I concur with
    his comments and observations.
             Sincerely,

                                                              George W. Bush