    [Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 43, Number 51 (Monday, December 24, 2007)]
    [Page 1614]
    [Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

    <R04>
    Remarks on Signing a Bill To Prevent Taxation of Payments From the Hokie
    Spirit Memorial Fund to Virginia Tech Victims and Families

    December 19, 2007

        It's my honor to welcome the president of Virginia Tech, the mayor
    of Blacksburg, the Governor of the Commonwealth of Virginia, and, of
    course, distinguished members of the congressional delegation, here as I
    sign a bill that's going to help the folks who suffered mightily on that
    day when a gunman killed their loved ones. It's a good piece of
    legislation. I appreciate members from both parties working on it.
        And I asked the President how--what the spirits are like there at
    Virginia Tech, and he said they're strong. And I'm not surprised. Having
    been there for that memorial ceremony, I left with the distinct
    impression that of all the communities in America that could deal with a
    tragedy, it's the Virginia Tech community.
        And so I want to say to the families who still suffer, we think
    about you. And to the students and faculty and alumni and leadership of
    Virginia Tech, thank you for helping those who suffer reconcile and
    recover from the grief they feel. So it's my honor to sign this
    important piece of legislation.

    Note: The President spoke at 11:37 a.m. in the Oval Office at the White
    House. In his remarks, he referred to Charles W. Steger, president,
    Virginia Tech; Mayor Ron Rordam of Blacksburg, VA; and Governor Timothy
    M. Kaine of Virginia. H.R. 4118, approved December 19, was assigned
    Public Law No. 110-141.