    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: George W. Bush (2008, Book II)]
    [September 16, 2008]
    [Pages 1206-1207]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Remarks Following a Briefing on Hurricane Ike Recovery Efforts in
    Houston, Texas
    September 16, 2008

        The President. So listen, I have come home to the great State under
    very difficult circumstances for the people who live down here. My first
    observation is that the State government and local folks are working
    very closely and working hard and have put a good response together. The
    evacuation plan was excellent in its planning and in execution. The
    rescue plan was very bold. And we owe a debt of gratitude to those who
    were on the frontline pulling people out of harm's way, like the Coast
    Guard people behind us here.
        I'm now asking questions about how the Federal Government can help
    the response and help the recovery effort begin. One thing is, is that
    we have decided to match 100 percent--or pay 100 percent with no State
    match for debris removal, as well as the emergency preparedness that the
    State and local governments have put in place and executed.
        Secondly, obviously, people are concerned about electricity and, you
    know, the--what I look for--or is there enough help to get these energy
    companies to do what they instinctively want to do, which is get the
    grid up and running. And I'm told by the folks who are monitoring this
    that there is a lot of people that are coming into this State to help
    restring wires, and that there's a lot of focus on getting the grid up.
    And so the sooner this electricity gets going, obviously, the easier it
    is going to be to help recover.
        People have been moved out of their homes, and I know a lot of
    people are anxious to get back in. I urge you to listen to State and
    local authorities before you come back. It is their considered judgment
    which is important for you. And I know some are concerned about whether
    or not the government will reimburse you for your stay, and the answer
    is yes. We've got a plan for the next 30 days, and of course, we'll
    continue to monitor this situation as to reimbursing you for your time
    away from home.
        One thing that's a concern is to whether or not we're getting water
    and fuel distributed. We just had a good discussion about how to make
    sure that we continue the--making sure these points of distribution are
    fully supplied. Step one is, do we have points of distribution in place?
    And then, how do we make sure they are supplied in a way that meets the
    people's needs? And the State and the Federal Government are sharing
    that responsibility--the Federal Government inside Harris County,
    primarily the State outside Harris County. Thus far--I know there are
    some shortages, but thus far, the demand has been met. And we'll
    continue to monitor the situation to make sure that people are taken
    care of.
        We're fixing to go down to Galveston and obviously going to see a
    devastated part of this fantastic State. And it'll give the
    Governor and me and the Congressmen, Senator, and others a chance to express our heartfelt sympathies for
    those whose lives have been, you know, disrupted. You know, it's a tough
    situation on the coast. I have been President long enough to have seen
    tough situations and have seen the resilience of the people be able to
    deal with a tough situation. It may be hard for people to now envision a
    better Galveston or a better Orange or some of these other communities
    that have been affected. But I know, with proper help from the Federal
    Government and State government, there will be a better tomorrow.
        And so it is with--you know, it is good to be home. I'm just sorry
    it's under these circumstances.

    [[Page 1207]]

        I do want to say something about the American Red Cross. The
    American Red Cross is working closely with the emergency rescue efforts.
    A lot of people are sheltered, and the Red Cross is helping those people
    who have been displaced from their homes. It is very important for our
    citizens to support the American Red Cross. You can get on their web
    page and find a way to contribute. You know, I hope the country does not
    have disaster fatigue. The Red Cross is a vital part of helping people
    recover and helping people find the compassionate care that our citizens
    expect when there's a disaster such as this.
        Anyway, Governor, thanks----
        Governor J. Richard Perry of Texas.
    Very good, sir.
        The President. ----for having us.
        Gov. Perry. Glad to have you home.

    Note: The President spoke at 9:32 a.m. in the U.S. Coast Guard hangar at
    Ellington Field. In his remarks, he referred to Reps. Kevin P. Brady,
    John Culberson, Sheila Jackson Lee, and Ted Poe; and Sen. John Cornyn.
    The Office of the Press Secretary also released a Spanish language
    transcript of these remarks.