[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.