    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: George W. Bush (2006, Book I)]
    [January 19, 2006]
    [Pages 98-99]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Remarks Following a Meeting With Foundations Involved With Gulf Coast
    Recovery
    January 19, 2006

        Laura and I are so thankful that Dr.
    Francis and Leland
    Speed--Dr. Francis is from Louisiana; Mr. Leland Speed is from
    Mississippi--are here to brief not only Don Powell and myself and Laura but also members of the compassion
    community here in America. We've got charities from all across the
    country, foundations from all across the country who have come to listen
    to the needs of the good people in Mississippi and Louisiana and the
    gulf coast region.
        Don and I talked about the commitment
    of the Federal Government; we've committed $85 billion thus far. But we
    also made it very clear that we're going to need the help of--the
    continued help, I might add, of America's charities and foundations.
    Part of making sure the money is spent well is to hear from the local
    folks about what is needed; how can we help; how best can the money be
    spent.
        And that's exactly what we've done today. We're going to make sure
    that the Federal money is spent wisely and local money and charitable
    money is spent wisely as well, all aimed at making sure that the folks
    in Louisiana and Mississippi get back on their feet and this vital
    region of our country is up and running again. There's no doubt in my
    mind that out of this incredible devastation will come a better
    tomorrow.
        And again, I want to thank all the people who have taken time out of
    your busy schedules to come and show your interest and represent your
    foundations and let the good folks know, in that troubled part of the
    world, that their voices of despair and concern are being heard all
    around the country.
        So thank you all for coming. I appreciate it very much.

    [[Page 99]]

    Note: The President spoke at 2:07 p.m. in Room 350 of the Dwight D.
    Eisenhower Executive Office Building. In his remarks, he referred to
    Norman Francis, chairman, Louisiana Recovery Authority; Leland Speed,
    director, Mississippi Development Authority; and Donald E. Powell,
    Chairman, Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, in his capacity as
    coordinator of Federal gulf coast relief efforts. A tape was not
    available for verification of the content of these remarks.