    [Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 42, Number 3 (Monday, January 23, 2006)]
    [Page 95]
    [Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

    <R04>
    Remarks Following a Meeting With Foundations Involved With Gulf Coast
    Recovery

    January 19, 2006

        Laura and I are so thankful that Dr. Francis and Leland Speed--Dr.
    Francis is from Louisiana; Mr. Leland Speed is from Mississippi--are
    here to brief not only Don Powell and myself and Laura but also members
    of the compassion community here in America. We've got charities from
    all across the country, foundations from all across the country who have
    come to listen to the needs of the good people in Mississippi and
    Louisiana and the gulf coast region.
        Don and I talked about the commitment of the Federal Government--
    we've committed $85 billion thus far. But we also made it very clear
    that we're going to need the help of--the continued help, I might add,
    of America's charities and foundations. Part of making sure the money is
    spent well is to hear from the local folks about what is needed; how can
    we help; how best can the money be spent.
        And that's exactly what we've done today. We're going to make sure
    that the Federal money is spent wisely and local money and charitable
    money is spent wisely as well, all aimed at making sure that the folks
    in Louisiana and Mississippi get back on their feet and this vital
    region of our country is up and running again. There's no doubt in my
    mind that out of this incredible devastation will come a better
    tomorrow.
        And again, I want to thank all the people who have taken time out of
    your busy schedules to come and show your interest and represent your
    foundations and let the good folks know, in that troubled part of the
    world, that their voices of despair and concern are being heard all
    around the country.
        So thank you all for coming. I appreciate it very much.

    Note: The President spoke at 2:07 p.m. in Room 350 of the Dwight D.
    Eisenhower Executive Office Building. In his remarks, he referred to
    Norman Francis, chairman, Louisiana Recovery Authority; Leland Speed,
    director, Mississippi Development Authority; and Donald E. Powell,
    Chairman, Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, who is coordinating
    Federal gulf coast relief efforts. A tape was not available for
    verification of the content of these remarks.