    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: George W. Bush (2005, Book I)]
    [February 9, 2005]
    [Page 199]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Statement on a Supplemental Appropriations Request To Support the Areas
    Recovering From the Indian Ocean Earthquake and Tsunamis
    February 9, 2005

        More than 6 weeks have passed since the tsunami took over 150,000
    lives in one of the world's worst natural disasters. Thanks to the
    immediate and effective response of the U.S. military and the U.S.
    Agency for International Development, the United States, working with
    other members of the international community, was able to prevent
    additional loss of life and to deliver relief to those in need.
        I will seek $950 million as part of the supplemental appropriations
    request to support the areas recovering from the tsunami and to cover
    the costs of relief efforts to date. This amount includes an additional
    $600 million above my initial commitment of $350 million. We will use
    these resources to provide assistance and to work with the affected
    nations on rebuilding vital infrastructure that reenergizes economies
    and strengthens societies.
        I appreciate the efforts of former Presidents Bush and Clinton to raise
    private donations in the United States, and we are grateful to all of
    those who have donated money to help those in need.