    [Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 37, Number 37 (Monday, September 17, 2001)]
    [Page 1304]
    [Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

    <R04>
    Letter to the Speaker of the House of Representatives Requesting
    Supplemental Appropriations To Address the September 11 Terrorist
    Attacks

    September 12, 2001

    Sir:

        Yesterday, evil and despicable acts of terror were perpetrated
    against our fellow citizens. Our way of life, indeed our very freedom,
    came under attack. Our first priority is to respond swiftly and surely.
    We need to do so in a way that will make Americans proud, especially
    those heroes who are struggling so valiantly to deal with yesterday's
    tragedy.
        Immediate steps are being taken to protect our citizens at home and
    around the world. I implemented our Government's emergency response
    plans, and the functions of our Government continue without
    interruption. I have directed the full resources of our intelligence and
    law enforcement communities to find those responsible and to bring them
    to justice.
        Now Congress must act. I ask the Congress to immediately pass and
    send to me the enclosed request for $20,000,000,000 in FY 2001 emergency
    appropriations to provide resources to address the terrorist attacks on
    the United States that occurred on September 11, 2001, and the
    consequences of such attacks. Passing this supplemental appropriations
    bill without delay will send a powerful signal of unity to our fellow
    Americans and to the world. If additional resources are necessary, I
    will forward another request for additional funding.
        I designate the entire amount as an emergency requirement pursuant
    to section 251(b)(2)(A) of the Balanced Budget and Emergency Deficit
    Control Act of 1985, as amended.
         Sincerely,
                                                    George W. Bush

    Note: This letter was released by the Office of the Press Secretary on
    September 13. The transcript released by the Office of the Press
    Secretary also included the request for $20 billion in FY 2001 emergency
    appropriations.