    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: George W. Bush (2007, Book II)]
    [December 19, 2007]
    [Pages 1571-1572]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Remarks on Signing a Bill To Prevent Taxation of Payments From the Hokie
    Spirit Memorial Fund to Virginia Tech Victims and Families
    December 19, 2007

        It's my honor to welcome the president
    of Virginia Tech, the mayor of Blacksburg, the
    Governor of the Commonwealth of Virginia,
    and of course, distinguished members

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    of the congressional delegation here as I sign a bill that's going to
    help the folks who suffered mightily on that day when a gunman killed
    their loved ones. It's a good piece of legislation. I appreciate members
    from both parties working on it.
        And I asked the president how--what
    the spirits are like there at Virginia Tech, and he said they're strong.
    And I'm not surprised. Having been there for that memorial ceremony, I
    left with the distinct impression that of all the communities in America
    that could deal with a tragedy, it's the Virginia Tech community.
        And so I want to say to the families who still suffer, we think
    about you. And to the students and faculty and alumni and leadership of
    Virginia Tech, thank you for helping those who suffer reconcile and
    recover from the grief they feel. So it's my honor to sign this
    important piece of legislation.

    Note: The President spoke at 11:37 a.m. in the Oval Office at the White
    House. In his remarks, he referred to Charles W. Steger, president,
    Virginia Tech University; Mayor Ron Rordam of Blacksburg, VA; and Gov.
    Timothy M. Kaine of Virginia. H.R. 4118, approved December 19, was
    assigned Public Law No. 110-141.