    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: George W. Bush (2005, Book II)]
    [September 24, 2005]
    [Pages 1481-1482]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    The President's Radio Address
    September 24, 2005

        Good morning. This weekend I will visit U.S. Northern Command in
    Colorado where we're monitoring Hurricane Rita. As the hurricane
    continues along its destructive path, the American people can know,
    courageous and dedicated men and women are responding to our citizens in
    need. We are marshaling resources of the Federal Government to save
    lives and property, and bring comfort to those who have evacuated
    because of this storm.
        Over the past week, Federal, State, and local governments have been
    closely coordinating their efforts for Hurricane Rita. The Department of
    Homeland Security and FEMA prepositioned food, water, ice, and emergency
    response team, and helped with the evacuations in Texas and Louisiana.
    Military assets were also prepositioned so they could be deployed
    immediately after the storm passes.
        At this moment, the following Navy ships are in the region: the Iwo
    Jima, the Shreveport, the Tortuga, the Grapple, the Patuxent, and the
    Comfort. The Texas National Guard has activated its Guardsmen, nearly
    3,500 so far, with more on call if they are needed. Coast Guard cutters,
    aircraft, and helicopters are in place, ready to rescue, evacuate, and
    relocate civilians trapped by the storm. And additional Coast Guard air
    crews and aircraft are now arriving from around the country.
        We've also organized and identified civilian volunteers, including
    more than 200 doctors and more than 400 registered nurses. The American
    Red Cross is prepared to deliver hundreds of thousands of meals a day.
    Our Government is taking every step possible to protect life and bring
    comfort to those affected.
        As we respond to Hurricane Rita, we're continuing our efforts to
    help the citizens of the gulf coast recover from Hurricane Katrina, a
    storm that has caused unprecedented destruction across an entire region.
    The recovery of Louisiana, Alabama, and Mississippi is a commitment of
    the American people, and in this effort, all Americans have a role to
    play. In the recovery effort, the Federal Government has a vital role,
    and we'll do our duty. We'll help rebuild roads, bridges, schools, water
    systems, and other infrastructure in the disaster zone. We will cut
    through redtape in Washington so we can speed the work of rebuilding and
    get the gulf coast region back on its feet.
        In the recovery effort, State and local leaders will play a vital
    role in laying out their plans and vision for the future of their
    communities. Earlier this week, I met with community leaders and local
    officials in the region to hear their ideas on rebuilding and recovery.
    I told them that the vision of a revitalized New Orleans should come
    from the people of New Orleans, and the vision of a new gulf coast of
    Louisiana, Mississippi, and Alabama should come from the people of those
    States. We will do everything we can to guide the recovery effort and
    help them realize their vision so that communities along the gulf coast
    are better and stronger than before the storm.
        In the recovery effort, the private sector will play a vital role.
    To rebuild lives and communities, we need to encourage small-business
    growth in that region, with immediate tax relief and other incentives
    for job-creating investment. Private enterprise is the engine for
    creating new jobs in America, and it will be the engine that drives the
    recovery of the gulf coast.
        In the recovery effort, the American people will play a vital role.
    This week, Laura visited Texas to thank leaders
    of faith-based groups who've rallied to help their Louisiana neighbors
    in desperate need. Charities and houses of worship and idealistic men
    and women across America have

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    opened up their homes, their wallets, and their hearts to the victims of
    Katrina. And with the arrival of another violent storm, our neighbors in
    the gulf coast will need continued help. Our fellow citizens in the
    affected areas can know they can count on the good hearts of the
    American people.
        The past 3 weeks have tested our Nation and revealed the strength
    and resilience of our people. Americans have the determination and the
    will to overcome any challenge from man or nature. The courageous spirit
    of America will carry us through any storm, and the compassionate soul
    of our Nation will help us rebuild.
        Thank you for listening.

    Note: The address was recorded at 12:50 p.m. on September 23 in the
    Cabinet Room at the White House for broadcast at 10:06 a.m. on September
    24. The transcript was made available by the Office of the Press
    Secretary on September 23 but was embargoed for release until the
    broadcast. The Office of the Press Secretary also released a Spanish
    language transcript of this address.