[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.