[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.