[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 38, Number 27 (Monday, July 8, 2002)]
[Pages 1122-1123]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

<R04>
Letter to the Speaker of the House of Representatives on Reallocation of 
Funds Previously Transferred From the Emergency Response Fund

July 1, 2002

Dear Mr. Speaker:

    In order to fulfill urgent requirements for civil aviation security, 
I am notifying the Congress of my intent to reallocate funds previously 
transferred to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) from the 
Emergency Response Fund. These funds will now be allocated to the 
Transportation Security Administration (TSA) in accordance with the 
provisions of Public Law 107-38, the Emergency Supplemental 
Appropriations Act for Recovery from and Response to Terrorist Attacks 
on the United States, FY 2001.
    In addition, I am further revising my request for supplemental 
funding originally transmitted on March 21st to account for this 
transfer by adjusting my Administration's request for supplemental 
funding for FEMA and for TSA. This will ensure that FEMA has the full 
resources necessary to meet my commitment to the recovery of New York.
    As provided in Public Law 107-38, the $270 million to be transferred 
will be made available immediately to TSA to continue its civil aviation 
security responsibilities.
    This is the second time I have arranged a ``bridge loan'' from FEMA 
to TSA to allow the Congress to complete action on my March 21st 
emergency supplemental request. This option will not be available a 
third time, since FEMA has no additional remaining unobligated funds 
from Public Law 107-38. It is imperative that the Congress quickly pass 
an acceptable emergency supplemental bill to prevent a disruption of 
commercial air travel.
    I hereby designate the revised requests contained in the 
accompanying material as emergency requirements pursuant to section 
251(b)(2)(A) of the Balanced Budget and Emergency Deficit Control Act of 
1985, as amended.
    The details of these actions are set forth in the enclosed letter 
from the Director of the Office of Management and Budget. I concur with 
his comments and recommendations.
     Sincerely,
                                                George W. Bush

Note: This letter was released by the Office of the Press Secretary on 
July 2.

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