    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: George W. Bush (2004, Book II)]
    [September 6, 2004]
    [Page 1919]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Letter to the Speaker of the House of Representatives Transmitting a
    Supplemental Budget Request To Support Comprehensive Response and
    Recovery Efforts After Hurricane Charley
    September 6, 2004

    Dear Mr. Speaker:
        On August 27th, I announced that I would submit a supplemental
    request to the Congress of approximately $2 billion to pay for
    comprehensive response and recovery efforts after Hurricane Charley.
    This was in addition to response and recovery efforts being undertaken
    by federal government agencies using existing resources and programs.
        Because of the severity and timing of Hurricane Frances, I ask the
    Congress to consider expeditiously the enclosed request, totaling $2.0
    billion, for an emergency FY 2004 supplemental appropriation for the
    Department of Homeland Security.
        I hereby designate this proposal in the amount requested herein as
    an emergency requirement. This request responds to urgent needs
    associated with Hurricanes Charley and Frances in Florida and other
    affected areas, and will enable the Federal Emergency Management Agency
    to respond to additional disasters should they occur.
        The enclosed request requires immediate action by the Congress to
    ensure that the immediate response efforts to these recent disasters
    continue uninterrupted. I anticipate making a further request in the
    coming days that will provide for a comprehensive response and recovery
    effort addressing the impact of both of these hurricanes. In addition,
    federal government agencies will continue their response and recovery
    efforts using existing resources and programs.
        The details of this request are set forth in the enclosed letter
    from the Director of the Office of Management and Budget.
             Sincerely,

                                                              George W. Bush