    [Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 40, Number 40 (Monday, October 4, 2004)]
    [Pages 2174-2175]
    [Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

    <R04>
    Remarks Following a Meeting With Disaster Relief Officials and
    Volunteers in Stuart, Florida

    September 30, 2004

        Thank you all very much for being here. And I'm really glad to be
    with my brother Jeb, the Governor, who has done such a--Jeb has shown
    tremendous leadership and compassion during these trying days for this
    great State. I am really proud of him.
        I want to thank Mike Brown of FEMA. He has worked really hard as
    well to help relieve the suffering from these storms.
        I want to thank all the State and local officials for working hard.
    I had the chance to meet some county commissioners from this county,
    people from the sheriff's office, people from the police department, all
    of whom are spending an extraordinary amount of time helping the
    citizens here who hurt.
        I appreciate the strong leadership of the--of those who represent
    the armies of compassion. I'm proud to stand with the men and women of
    the Red Cross, the Salvation Army, and other faith-based and community
    groups that are providing important relief. Volunteers like these behind
    me have worked long hours to help those affected by the storms--long
    hours not only in Florida but in other States as well. The Red Cross,
    for example, has sheltered over 400,000 people. The Salvation Army, the
    Southern Baptist Convention, the Convoy of Hope from Springfield,
    Missouri, and other faith-based groups have set up kitchens and helped
    feed the hungry.
        Unions and truckers have transported supplies. Young people have
    given up free time to lend a hand. I just met with some of the high
    school students here from Martin High School who are volunteering to
    help the Red Cross. I thank them for their example. I thank them for
    their service.
        See, these volunteers show the true heart of America. Because we're
    a compassionate people, we care when a neighbor hurts; we long to help
    somebody when help is needed. They have the gratitude of all they've
    served, and they have the admiration for our whole country.
        Hurricanes Charley, Frances, Ivan, and Jeanne have strained the
    resources of many relief organizations. People across the Nation have
    donated money and supplies to help their efforts. I'm grateful for their
    generosity. I hope many more Americans will continue to contribute. It's
    very important for our fellow citizens to understand the strain on the
    resources for the Red Cross, for example, or the Salvation Army or other
    faith-based groups. And if you want to help, if you want to participate
    in helping the good folks in this part of the country who hurt,
    contribute. You can contact the Red Cross at 1-800-HELPNOW or the
    Salvation Army at 1-800-SALARMY or the Florida Volunteer and Donations
    Hotline at 1-800-FLHELP1. Or you can contact one of the many other
    organizations that are providing help.
        The Federal Government is working closely with State and local
    authorities to help people recover. FEMA is working with Florida's
    Emergency Response Team and the National Guard to ensure safety. Medical

    [[Page 2175]]

    personnel are treating the sick and the injured. Earlier today I visited
    a FEMA disaster recovery center where hurricane victims can go to
    register for disaster assistance.
        I've asked Congress to provide $12.2 billion in Federal funds to
    respond to these storms. I urge the Congress to pass my supplemental
    request quickly so the people of Florida can get the help they need.
        People in Florida and many other States are coming through a trying
    time. I thank all those who've reached out to help the neighbors in
    need. I thank the leaders who have shown strength and composure during
    difficult times. And to our fellow citizens facing hardship, the prayers
    of our Nation are with you, and America stands with you.
        Thank you all for coming. God bless your compassion.

    Note: The President spoke at 10:36 a.m. at the American Red Cross,
    Martin County Chapter. In his remarks, he referred to Gov. Jeb Bush of
    Florida; and Under Secretary of Homeland Security for Emergency
    Preparedness and Response Mike Brown. A tape was not available for
    verification of the content of these remarks.