    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: George W. Bush (2002, Book I)]
    [May 15, 2002]
    [Pages 807-808]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Letter to the Speaker of the House of Representatives on Funding for the
    Disaster Relief Program of the Federal Emergency Management Agency
    May 15, 2002

    Dear Mr. Speaker:
        In accordance with provisions of Public Law 107-73, the Departments
    of Veterans Affairs and Housing and Urban Development, and Independent
    Agencies Appropriations Act, 2002, I hereby request and make available
    $500 million for the Disaster Relief program of the Federal Emergency
    Management Agency (FEMA).
        These funds will allow FEMA to continue providing assistance to
    victims of disasters in several States, including victims of recent
    tornadoes in Maryland and storms and flooding in Kentucky, Tennessee,
    and Virginia. These funds also would be available for ongoing response
    to prior disasters and to ensure that FEMA has resources on hand to
    provide timely response to future disasters.
        I designate the $500 million made available today as an emergency
    requirement pursuant to section 251(b)(2)(A) of the Balanced Budget and
    Emergency Deficit Control Act of 1985, as amended.
        The details of this action 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

    [[Page 808]]