Text 1333, 99 rader
Skriven 2005-09-05 23:32:56 av Whitehouse Press (1:3634/12.0)
Ärende: Press Release (050905e) for Mon, 2005 Sep 5
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Fact Sheet: America Responds to the Katrina Disaster
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For Immediate Release
Office of the Press Secretary
September 5, 2005

Fact Sheet: America Responds to the Katrina Disaster



America Responds To The Katrina Disaster

President Bush Today Discussed Ongoing Relief Efforts For Areas Devastated
By Hurricane Katrina

Today, President Bush Ordered The Department Of Defense To Deploy
Additional Active Duty Forces To The Region. Over the next 24 to 72 hours,
more than 7,000 additional active duty troops will arrive in the affected
areas. Right now there are more than 21,000 National Guard troops operating
in affected areas, with more on the way. In addition to these National
Guard forces, the Department of Defense has already deployed more than
4,000 active duty forces to assist in search and recovery, and provide
logistical and medical support. The priority is to restore and maintain law
and order, and assist in recovery and evacuation efforts. The enormity of
the task requires more resources and more troops.

The President Has Said That More Needs To Be Done To Assist The Victims.
The magnitude of destruction has created tremendous problems that have
strained state and local capabilities and many citizens simply are not
getting the help they need, especially in New Orleans. That is
unacceptable. Where our response is not working, we will make it right.
Where our response is working, we will duplicate it.

Hurricane Katrina Has Been One Of The Worst Natural Disasters In American
History. The power of the hurricane created an area of destruction that is
90,000 square miles, an area larger than the size of Great Britain.
Residents of the Gulf Coast states affected by the hurricane have lost
loved ones, lost homes, and been displaced from their communities, and the
President has declared that they will have the full support of the Federal
government.

The President Traveled To The Hurricane Devastated Gulf Coast States.
President Bush visited areas of Alabama, Mississippi and Louisiana affected
by the enormous devastation of Hurricane Katrina. A vast coastline of towns
and communities has been flattened; one of our great cities is submerged.
The human costs are incalculable. The President surveyed the destruction
and spoke with victims of Katrina to express the nation's condolences for
their loss. The President also thanked those working to aid in the recovery
effort.

The President Expressed His Determination That Victims Are Delivered The
Relief That They Need. Aid is surging toward those who have been affected
by the hurricane. Millions of gallons of water and millions of tons of food
have begun to arrive. Those at the Superdome and Convention Center are
being evacuated. Charities like the Salvation Army and Red Cross and many
other relief organizations are on the ground delivering valuable aid.
Thousands of men and women, volunteers, firefighters, police, and National
Guardsmen are working to provide relief supplies and restore order in a
massive recovery effort. As neighboring states have opened their arms to
help the victims of Hurricane Katrina, the President declared states of
emergency in Texas and Arkansas to help deliver federal assistance to those
in need. For the latest details on the Federal response effort, please
visit www.dhs.gov .

President Bush Signed A $10.5 Billion Emergency Supplemental To Support
Hurricane Katrina Disaster Relief Efforts. Congress unanimously passed an
emergency bill providing additional funds for the immediate needs of the
Federal Emergency Management Agency and the U.S. Department of Defense in
support of the Federal government's relief and recovery missions. This is
the beginning of a sustained federal commitment to the Gulf Coast.

The International Energy Agency (IEA) Has Agreed To Release 60 Million
Barrels Of Oil And Gasoline. This weekend, IEA member countries will begin
releasing an average of 2 million barrels of oil and gasoline per day to
the markets. The United States as a part of that effort will be releasing
30 million barrels of crude oil from the Strategic Petroleum Reserve to
help ensure the continuity of energy supplies for drivers, businesses, and
the American economy.

The President Has Called On All Americans To Help Those In Need As A Result
Of Katrina. Rebuilding the Gulf Coast will take time - and the resources of
the American people and the Federal government will ensure that New Orleans
will once again be a great city. American companies and individuals have
already combined to donate nearly $200 million for relief and recovery. The
President also announced a nationwide charitable effort led by former
President Bush and former President Clinton to aid the Gulf Coast victims
of Hurricane Katrina through the Bush-Clinton Katrina Fund. Americans who
wish to contribute can do so by contacting charities that are assisting
with hurricane relief. For a listing of relief organizations, visit
www.usafreedomcorps.gov .

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