    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: George W. Bush (2006, Book I)]
    [February 16, 2006]
    [Pages 264-265]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Letter to the Speaker of the House of Representatives Transmitting a
    Request for Additional Funds To Support Recovery Efforts in the Gulf
    Coast
    February 16, 2006

    Dear Mr. Speaker:
        Hurricane Katrina was one of the worst natural disasters in our
    Nation's history. Katrina devastated an area roughly the size of Great
    Britain. This devastation has required an unprecedented response by
    Federal, State, and local governments, as well as the private sector. So
    far, the Federal Government has committed more than $87 billion in
    spending and $8 billion in tax relief for the people of the Gulf Coast
    and New Orleans.
        To provide additional resources to assist the region in its
    recovery, I ask the Congress to consider the enclosed requests, totaling
    $19.8 billion. This request includes critical funding to: replenish the
    Department of Homeland Security's Disaster Relief Fund in support of
    ongoing response efforts; support the Small Business Administration's
    Disaster Loan program; provide funding for the Community Development
    Block Grant program to support Louisiana's flood mitigation plans;
    achieve my commitment through the Corps of Engineers for stronger and
    better levee protection for New Orleans; and continue rebuilding of the
    region's Federal infrastructure.
        I urge the Congress to act expeditiously on this request to ensure
    that the Federal response and recovery efforts continue uninterrupted. I
    designate this proposal in the amount requested herein as an emergency
    requirement.

    [[Page 265]]

        The details of this request are set forth in the enclosed letter
    from the Director of the Office of Management and Budget.
             Sincerely,

                                                              George W. Bush