[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.