    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: George W. Bush (2005, Book II)]
    [November 10, 2005]
    [Page 1696]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Remarks During a Meeting With Louisiana Local Officials
    November 10, 2005

        The President. Mayor, thanks for coming.
        Mayor C. Ray Nagin. It's good to be here.
        The President. And I appreciate you sharing your thoughts and ideas
    with Don Powell and myself. I appreciate
    the Commission Chairman for coming and setting out a vision for New
    Orleans. And I know you've been through an awful lot of tough times, and
    I really appreciate your working with us to help get this city up and
    running so the great city of New Orleans will rise once again. As I said
    in my speech, Mr. Mayor, I can't imagine an
    America without a New Orleans.
        And we've got a lot of work to do, but you're making good progress,
    and you're showing strong leadership. I appreciate that.
        Mayor Nagin. Thank you, Mr. President.
        The President. Thank you.

    Note: The President spoke at 3:40 p.m. in the Roosevelt Room at the
    White House. In his remarks, he referred to Donald E. Powell, Chairman,
    Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, who is coordinating Federal gulf
    coast relief efforts.