    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: George W. Bush (2005, Book II)]
    [September 24, 2005]
    [Pages 1482-1483]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Remarks at the Texas Emergency Operations Center in Austin, Texas
    September 24, 2005

        Listen, I want to stop by to thank you all for the hard work you're
    doing. I appreciate Senator Hutchison and Cornyn, Congressman
    DeLay, Governor Perry.
        First of all, the people of the State are counting on you. And I
    know you're working hard, and I appreciate the response. Nobody asks for
    these things, but when they come, we have a duty. I'm really here to let
    the folks in Texas know that the Federal Government knows we have a
    responsibility to support you in the mission of saving lives, first and
    foremost, and then help and rebuild their lives.
        There's some issues that we've been briefed on that I think it's
    important for our fellow citizens to understand, in Texas, that for
    those who feel like they need to get back to a city like Houston, it's
    important to delay your trip so that essential personnel are able to get
    to the affected areas. We've got--we're moving assets--military assets,
    for example--trying to help people who need help, and if the highways
    are clogged, it's going to make it hard to get those assets into the
    affected areas.
        Houston hospitals, for example, are in need of nurses. Nurses who
    are now trying to get back in are having problems getting on the
    highways. And so I would ask for those of you in the State to--who are
    in safe places now, not to hurry back to a city like Houston and let
    these highways flow the necessary goods and services to the people in
    deep east Texas who have been affected.
        I know for a lot of folks in this State, it's miserable times. I
    hope you can take some comfort knowing there's a lot of people--like the
    people in this room--who are working overtime to save you and to help
    you, and that I think you'll be amazed by the extraordinary compassion
    of the people of Texas as they rise up to help their fellow citizens in
    need.
        At any rates, it's good to see you all. Thank you for your hard
    work. May God bless those who have been affected, and may God bless
    those who are helping those who have been affected, and may God bless
    the country. Thank you.

    Note: The President spoke at 3:12 p.m. In his remarks, he referred to
    Gov. Rick Perry of Texas.

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