[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 38, Number 10 (Monday, March 11, 2002)]
[Pages 372-373]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

<R04>
 Remarks Following a Meeting With the Governor, the Mayor, and the 
Congressional Delegation of New York

 March 7, 2002

     Thank you all very much for coming. As you can see, I'm standing 
with the mighty--and I emphasize ``mighty''--New York delegation. Right 
after the September the 11th tragedy, I made a pledge to Senator Schumer 
and Senator Clinton, Governor Pataki, the whole delegation, that our 
Government

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would commit at least $20 billion to help rebuild New York and to take 
care of the tragedy that befell that magnificent city.
    I want to thank the Members who are here who have worked closely 
with my administration to achieve the common objective of putting $20 
billion of Federal money to help the city, surrounding State, the 
people. And as a matter of fact, as of right now, there's an over $20 
billion commitment.
    Now, this is the right thing to do. It's the absolute right position 
for our Government to take. It is essential that New York City come back 
and come back strong, for the good of the entire Nation.
    I will tell you that I am so proud of the citizens of the city in 
that part of our country. They have shown the world how strong America 
is in the face of tragedy. They've shown a character that runs deep in 
the American psyche, that we will not be intimidated, that we won't 
fail. And it's a proud moment for me to thank the delegation here and to 
welcome the Governor and the mayor and the Senators and Congresspeople. 
I look forward to continuing to work with these officials as the mighty 
city of New York recovers.
    And so it's now my honor to bring to the podium the Governor of New 
York City--the State of New York, and then the mayor and then the 
Senators. First, Governor George Pataki.

Note: The President spoke at 1:27 p.m. in the Rose Garden at the White 
House. In his remarks, he referred to Gov. George E. Pataki of New York 
and Mayor Michael Bloomberg of New York City.