[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 44, Number 37 (Monday, September 22, 2008)]
[Pages 1217-1218]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

<R04>
Remarks Following a Briefing on Hurricane Ike Recovery Efforts in 
Houston, Texas

September 16, 2008

    The President. So listen, I have come home to the great State under 
very difficult circumstances for the people who live down here. My first 
observation is that the State government and local folks are working 
very closely and working hard and have put a good response together. The 
evacuation plan was excellent in its planning and in execution. The 
rescue plan was very bold. And we owe a debt of gratitude to those who 
were on the frontline pulling people out of harm's way, like the Coast 
Guard people behind us here.
    I'm now asking questions about how the Federal Government can help 
the response and help the recovery effort begin. One thing is, is that 
we have decided to match 100 percent--or pay 100 percent with no State 
match for debris removal, as well as the emergency preparedness that the 
State and local governments have put in place and executed.
    Secondly, obviously, people are concerned about electricity and, you 
know, the--what I look for--or is there enough help to get these energy 
companies to do what they instinctively want to do, which is get the 
grid up and running. And I'm told by the folks who are monitoring this 
that there is a lot of people that are coming into this State to help 
restring wires, and that there's a lot of focus on getting the grid up. 
And so the sooner this electricity gets going, obviously, the easier it 
is going to be to help recover.
    People have been moved out of their homes, and I know a lot of 
people are anxious to get back in. I urge you to listen to State and 
local authorities before you come back. It is their considered judgment 
which is important for you. And I know some are concerned about whether 
or not the government will reimburse you for your stay, and the answer 
is yes. We've got a plan for the next 30 days, and of course, we'll 
continue to monitor this situation as to reimbursing you for your time 
away from home.
    One thing that's a concern is to whether or not we're getting water 
and fuel distributed. We just had a good discussion about how to make 
sure that we continue the--making sure these points of distribution are 
fully supplied. Step one is, do we have points of distribution in place? 
And then, how do we make sure they are supplied in a way that meets the 
people's needs? And the State and the Federal Government are sharing 
that responsibility--the Federal Government inside Harris County, 
primarily the State outside Harris County. Thus far--I know there are 
some shortages, but thus far the demand has been met. And we'll continue 
to monitor the situation to make sure that people are taken care of.
    We're fixing to go down to Galveston and, obviously, going to see a 
devastated part of this fantastic State. And it'll give the Governor and 
me, and the Congressmen, Senator, and others a chance to express our 
heartfelt sympathies for those whose lives have been, you know, 
disrupted. It's--you know, it's a tough situation on the coast. I have 
been President long enough to have seen tough situations and have seen 
the resilience of the people be able to deal with a tough situation. It 
may be hard for people to now envision a better Galveston or a better 
Orange or some of these other communities that have been affected. But I 
know, with

[[Page 1218]]

proper help from the Federal Government and State government, there will 
be a better tomorrow.
    And so it is with--you know, it is--it's good to be home. I'm just 
sorry it's under these circumstances.
    I do want to say something about the American Red Cross. The 
American Red Cross is working closely with the emergency rescue efforts. 
A lot of people are sheltered, and the Red Cross is helping those people 
who have been displaced from their homes. It is very important for our 
citizens to support the American Red Cross. You can get on their web 
page and find a way to contribute. You know, I hope the country does not 
have disaster fatigue. The Red Cross is a vital part of helping people 
recover and helping people find the compassionate care that our citizens 
expect when there's a disaster such as this.
    Anyway, Governor, thanks----
    Governor Rick Perry of Texas. Very good, sir.
    The President. ----for having us.
    Gov. Perry. Glad to have you home.

Note: The President spoke at 9:32 a.m. in the U.S. Coast Guard hangar at 
Ellington Field. In his remarks, he referred to Representatives Kevin 
Brady, John A. Culberson, Sheila Jackson-Lee, Ted Poe, and Senator John 
Cornyn of Texas. The Office of the Press Secretary also released a 
Spanish language transcript of these remarks.