    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: George W. Bush (2004, Book II)]
    [September 29, 2004]
    [Pages 2245-2246]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Remarks Following an Inspection of Hurricane Damage in Lake Wales,
    Florida
    September 29, 2004

        I want to thank the McKenna boys for showing us around here, giving us a chance to see
    the devastation that took place here from not just one hurricane but
    three hurricanes. I want to thank my brother Jeb
    for his hospitality and his leadership. I want to thank Secretary of
    Agriculture Ann Veneman, for being down here.
    I want to thank Charlie Bronson,
    secretary of agriculture. I want to thank Adam Putnam, Congressman from this part of the world. Every time I see
    Adam, all he does is talk about oranges. His hair is kind of orange.
        I understand a lot of people in this area, like Marty and Pat, were hit hard by
    Jeanne and Charley and Frances. These are storms that have taken lives,
    storms that have created severe flooding, storms that caused major power
    outages, and storms that damaged farms and homes and hospitals and
    roads. It's been a devastating period for the State of Florida. It is
    the first time in nearly 120 years that four hurricanes have hit the
    same State in a single season. People of Florida have met historic
    challenges with extraordinary strength and generosity.
        State emergency response teams have saved lives by evacuating people
    before the storm and responding swiftly after the storm arrived. Power
    crews and telephone workers are putting in long hours to restore
    services. Despite week after week of strain, faith-based groups like
    Southern Baptists and the Salvation Army are setting up kitchens to feed
    the hungry. The Red Cross is running shelters and providing medical
    services for the injured. The National Guard is distributing supplies
    and conducting safety patrols. Across the State, people are showing
    great compassion and helping their neighbors make it through these
    storms, and I thank them for their care and their decency.
        The Federal Government is continuing our active role in the recovery
    efforts. We're working closely with Governors like Jeb and with other State and local officials to make sure
    resources reach the people who need it. I've asked Congress to provide
    $12.2 billion to respond to Hurricanes Charley, Frances, Ivan, and
    Jeanne. My request provides resources to repair bridges and highways and
    hospitals. It includes funding for the Small Business Administration to
    make loans to homeowners and small businesses. It includes more than $8
    billion for FEMA, the largest amount ever provided in response to a
    natural disaster. FEMA has responded rapidly to all four storms, and
    they continue working to make disaster assistance available to people in
    need.
        I want to thank Homeland Security Secretary Tom Ridge and FEMA Director Mike Brown for
    their tremendous work these past few weeks. They, and those who work for
    FEMA, have the gratitude of the administration and the people of this
    country.

    [[Page 2246]]

        I know Florida's agriculture sector has been hit especially hard.
    Marty and Pat almost
    lost half their orange crop. I know a lot of other growers have lost a
    lot of crop too. My budget request will provide vital assistance to the
    citrus growers and to other farmers and ranchers who've suffered losses.
    Secretary Veneman and I will also ensure that
    Florida farmers are treated fairly on the global market and that no
    country takes advantage of citrus growers during this time of disaster.
    My administration will make sure that citrus remains a strong part of
    this State's economy.
        The Federal Government is committed to helping people here get back
    on their feet. I call on Congress to pass my supplemental request
    quickly so we can get more people in Florida the help they need. These
    have been trying weeks for Americans across the Southeast, especially in
    this State. Once again, I want to thank Jeb for his
    outstanding leadership. I thank the citizens of Florida for their great
    courage and their decency. Our Nation is praying for the victims of
    these storms. We pray for all who come to their aid.
        May God bless you all. Thank you.

    Note: The President spoke at 3:39 p.m. in an orange grove owned by
    brothers Marty and Pat McKenna. In his remarks, he referred to Gov. Jeb
    Bush of Florida; Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Charles H. Bronson;
    and Under Secretary of Homeland Security for Emergency Preparedness and
    Response Mike Brown. The Office of the Press Secretary also released a
    Spanish language transcript of these remarks. A tape was not available
    for verification of the content of these remarks.