[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.