    [Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 40, Number 40 (Monday, October 4, 2004)]
    [Pages 2173-2174]
    [Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

    <R04>
    Remarks Following an Inspection of Hurricane Damage in Lake Wales,
    Florida

    September 29, 2004

        I want to thank the McKenna boys for showing us around here, giving
    us a chance to see the devastation that took place here from not just
    one hurricane but three hurricanes. I want to thank my brother Jeb for
    his hospitality and his leadership. I want to thank Secretary of
    Agriculture Ann Veneman, for being down here. I want to thank Charlie
    Bronson, secretary of agriculture. I want to thank Adam Putnam,
    Congressman from this part of the world. Every time I see Adam, all he
    does is talk about oranges. His hair is kind of orange.
        I understand a lot of people in this area, like Marty and Pat, were
    hit hard by Jeanne and Charley and Frances. These are storms that have
    taken lives, storms that have created severe flooding, storms that
    caused major power outages, and storms that damaged farms and homes and
    hospitals and roads. It's been a devastating period for the State of
    Florida. It is the first time in nearly 120 years that four hurricanes
    have hit the same State in a single season. People of Florida have met
    historic challenges with extraordinary strength and generosity.
        State emergency response teams have saved lives by evacuating people
    before the storm and responding swiftly after the storm arrived. Power
    crews and telephone workers are putting in long hours to restore
    services. Despite week after week of strain, faith-based groups like
    Southern Baptists and the Salvation Army are setting up kitchens to feed
    the hungry. The Red Cross is running shelters and providing medical
    services for the injured. The National Guard is distributing supplies
    and conducting safety patrols. Across the State, people are showing
    great compassion and helping their neighbors make it through these
    storms, and I thank them for their care and their decency.
        The Federal Government is continuing our active role in the recovery
    efforts. We're working closely with Governors like Jeb and with other
    State and local officials to make sure resources reach the people who
    need it. I've asked Congress to provide $12.2 billion to respond to
    Hurricanes Charley, Frances, Ivan, and Jeanne. My request provides
    resources to repair bridges and highways and hospitals. It includes
    funding for the Small Business Administration to make loans to
    homeowners and small businesses. It includes more than $8 billion for
    FEMA, the largest amount ever provided in response to a natural
    disaster. FEMA has responded rapidly to all four storms, and they
    continue working to make disaster assistance available to people in
    need.
        I want to thank Homeland Security Secretary Tom Ridge and FEMA
    Director Mike Brown for their tremendous work these past few weeks.
    They, and those who work for FEMA, have the gratitude of the
    administration and the people of this country.
        I know Florida's agriculture sector has been hit especially hard.
    Marty and Pat almost lost half their orange crop. I know a lot of other
    growers have lost a lot of crop too. My budget request will provide
    vital assistance to the citrus growers and to other farmers and ranchers
    who've suffered losses. Secretary Veneman and I will also ensure that
    Florida farmers are treated fairly on the global market and that no
    country takes advantage of citrus growers during this time of

    [[Page 2174]]

    disaster. My administration will make sure that citrus remains a strong
    part of this State's economy.
        The Federal Government is committed to helping people here get back
    on their feet. I call on Congress to pass my supplemental request
    quickly so we can get more people in Florida the help they need. These
    have been trying weeks for Americans across the Southeast, especially in
    this State. Once again, I want to thank Jeb for his outstanding
    leadership. I thank the citizens of Florida for their great courage and
    their decency. Our Nation is praying for the victims of these storms. We
    pray for all who come to their aid.
        May God bless you all. Thank you.

    Note: The President spoke at 3:39 p.m. in an orange grove owned by
    brothers Marty and Pat McKenna. In his remarks, he referred to Gov. Jeb
    Bush of Florida; Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Charles H. Bronson;
    and Under Secretary of Homeland Security for Emergency Preparedness and
    Response Mike Brown. The Office of the Press Secretary also released a
    Spanish language transcript of these remarks. A tape was not available
    for verification of the content of these remarks.