    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: George W. Bush (2008, Book I)]
    [June 19, 2008]
    [Page 855]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Remarks in a Briefing on Flooding in the Midwest in Cedar Rapids, Iowa
    June 19, 2008

        The President. Our job is to come down here--and I want to thank the
    Senator and Congressman and members of the Cabinet--just to listen to what you got
    on your mind. Obviously, to the extent that we can help immediately, we
    want to help, and then plan for recovery.
        I know a lot of farmers and cattlemen are hurting right now, along
    with the city people. The other thing I think is just very important is
    that--and the Senator and Governor have made it clear--that as we worry about Cedar
    Rapids, we also got to worry about the little towns. A lot of folks are
    wondering whether or not the government hears about them too. And I can
    assure you that I know the Governor cares deeply about it, and so do we.
        Paulison, who is the head of FEMA,
    tells me that there are 600 FEMA people moving around the State, and
    that ought to help the people in the smaller communities know that
    somebody is there to listen to them and care about them.
        Our hearts and prayers are--from around the Nation go out to people
    here. It's a tough time for you.
        Mayor Kathleen ``Kay'' Halloran of Cedar Rapids, IA. It is.
        The President. The good news is, the people in Iowa are tough-minded
    people. I mean, you'll come back better. Sometimes it's hard to see it
    when you're this close to the deal.
        Mayor Halloran. Well--and it's
    going to take time.
        The President. A lot of people aren't getting much sleep these days,
    but--[laughter]. You're exhausted; I understand that.
        But we want to--Congress passed a--is about to pass a big chunk of
    disaster money, which will put--help put people's mind at ease, and that
    will--we're going to help people--going to help you recover.
        Anyway, thanks for letting me come by and see you.
        Governor Chester J. Culver of Iowa.
    Thank you, Mr. President.
        The President. Yes.
        Gov. Culver. If I could, just very
    quickly, I want to thank the President on behalf of the people of Iowa--
    --
        The President. Get those cameras back in here. [Laughter]
        Gov. Culver. And I want to make sure
    they get in trouble. [Laughter] But I also want to thank this incredible
    team, all of these people in this room, just an amazing team. All the
    people standing up here: Thank you. And we will rebuild this State and
    this city, and it will be even better and even stronger as a result.
    Thank you.

    Note: The President spoke at 12:01 p.m. in the Lynn County Training and
    Response Center at Kirkwood Community College. In his remarks, he
    referred to Sen. Thomas R. Harkin; and Rep. David W. Loebsack. A portion
    of these remarks could not be verified because the tape was incomplete.