For Immediate Release
Office of the Press Secretary
September 6, 2004
Text of a Letter From the President to the Speaker of the House of Representatives
Dear Mr. Speaker:
On August 27th, I announced that I would submit a supplemental
request to the Congress of approximately $2 billion to pay for
comprehensive response and recovery efforts after Hurricane Charley.
This was in addition to response and recovery efforts being undertaken
by federal government agencies using existing resources and programs.
Because of the severity and timing of Hurricane Frances, I ask the
Congress to consider expeditiously the enclosed request, totaling $2.0
billion, for an emergency FY 2004 supplemental appropriation for the
Department of Homeland Security.
I hereby designate this proposal in the amount requested herein as
an emergency requirement. This request responds to urgent needs
associated with Hurricanes Charley and Frances in Florida and other
affected areas, and will enable the Federal Emergency Management Agency
to respond to additional disasters should they occur.
The enclosed request requires immediate action by the Congress to
ensure that the immediate response efforts to these recent disasters
continue uninterrupted. I anticipate making a further request in the
coming days that will provide for a comprehensive response and recovery
effort addressing the impact of both of these hurricanes. In addition,
federal government agencies will continue their response and recovery
efforts using existing resources and programs.
The details of this request are set forth in the enclosed letter
from the Director of the Office of Management and Budget.
Sincerely,
GEORGE W. BUSH
The Honorable J. Dennis Hastert Speaker of the House of
Representatives Washington, D.C. 20515
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