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Transcript: President Bush's Radio Address
Saturday, October 27, 2007
The following is a transcript of President Bush's radio address:
PRESIDENT BUSH: Good morning. On Thursday, I traveled to California to visit
communities ravaged by wildfires. I walked with a married couple through the
charred remains of their home. I met with emergency responders. I talked
with displaced families at a disaster assistance center. And I made a pledge
to the people of California on behalf of all Americans: We will help you put
out the fires, get through the crisis, and rebuild your lives.
State and local authorities in California were well prepared for this
crisis, and they responded quickly and effectively. Officials warned those
in danger, moved residents out of the path of the flames, and set up dozens
of shelters for thousands of people.
State officials also reached out to the Federal government for help. And we
responded. Shortly after the fires broke out, we started mobilizing and
providing assistance, including the deployment of Federal firefighters and
aircraft to drop fire retardant on the fires. As high winds spread the
fires, Governor Schwarzenegger requested more Federal help. Within one hour
of that request, we approved an emergency declaration that authorized
Federal agencies across the government to help state and local responders
save lives, protect property, and maintain public health and safety.
On Wednesday, I issued a second declaration. This action made additional
Federal funding available to the residents of the counties affected by the
wildfires, so they can recover and rebuild. This Federal assistance includes
grants for temporary housing and home repair, low-cost loans to cover
uninsured property losses, loans for small business owners, and funding to
help clean up debris.
I was impressed by the performance of the first responders I met in
California. Despite the challenges of high winds and dry weather,
firefighters are gaining the upper hand and earning the gratitude of their
fellow citizens. Many of these brave men and women have battled the blaze in
triple-digit heat. Some have worked around the clock. And more than once,
firefighting teams were forced to take emergency shelter in their fire tents
when threatened by approaching walls of flame. I was grateful for the
opportunity to meet them, and I thank them for their courage.
I was also encouraged by the spirit of the families I met. At one recovery
center, I met an amazing young girl named Alyssa Lamborn. Alyssa told me, "I
lost my house, but I didn't lose my home - because my family and my pets are
safe." I saw this same spirit in many others who are grateful for their
safety and determined to rebuild.
People like Alyssa and her family are receiving help from their fellow
Americans. Some have opened their homes to strangers who were evacuated and
could not find a hotel room. Doctors and nurses have answered the call to
help seniors who were forced from their nursing homes. And volunteers from
every walk of life have come forward to provide food, clothing, and
blankets - and a shoulder to lean on.
I went to Southern California with a message: We want you to know the
country cares for you. We're concerned about you, your neighborhoods, and
your homes. Things may look dismal now, but there is a better day ahead. And
we will not forget you in Washington, D.C.
Thank you for listening.
Transcript: President Bush's Radio Address
Saturday, October 27, 2007
The following is a transcript of President Bush's radio address:
PRESIDENT BUSH: Good morning. On Thursday, I traveled to California to visit
communities ravaged by wildfires. I walked with a married couple through the
charred remains of their home. I met with emergency responders. I talked
with displaced families at a disaster assistance center. And I made a pledge
to the people of California on behalf of all Americans: We will help you put
out the fires, get through the crisis, and rebuild your lives.
State and local authorities in California were well prepared for this
crisis, and they responded quickly and effectively. Officials warned those
in danger, moved residents out of the path of the flames, and set up dozens
of shelters for thousands of people.
State officials also reached out to the Federal government for help. And we
responded. Shortly after the fires broke out, we started mobilizing and
providing assistance, including the deployment of Federal firefighters and
aircraft to drop fire retardant on the fires. As high winds spread the
fires, Governor Schwarzenegger requested more Federal help. Within one hour
of that request, we approved an emergency declaration that authorized
Federal agencies across the government to help state and local responders
save lives, protect property, and maintain public health and safety.
On Wednesday, I issued a second declaration. This action made additional
Federal funding available to the residents of the counties affected by the
wildfires, so they can recover and rebuild. This Federal assistance includes
grants for temporary housing and home repair, low-cost loans to cover
uninsured property losses, loans for small business owners, and funding to
help clean up debris.
I was impressed by the performance of the first responders I met in
California. Despite the challenges of high winds and dry weather,
firefighters are gaining the upper hand and earning the gratitude of their
fellow citizens. Many of these brave men and women have battled the blaze in
triple-digit heat. Some have worked around the clock. And more than once,
firefighting teams were forced to take emergency shelter in their fire tents
when threatened by approaching walls of flame. I was grateful for the
opportunity to meet them, and I thank them for their courage.
I was also encouraged by the spirit of the families I met. At one recovery
center, I met an amazing young girl named Alyssa Lamborn. Alyssa told me, "I
lost my house, but I didn't lose my home - because my family and my pets are
safe." I saw this same spirit in many others who are grateful for their
safety and determined to rebuild.
People like Alyssa and her family are receiving help from their fellow
Americans. Some have opened their homes to strangers who were evacuated and
could not find a hotel room. Doctors and nurses have answered the call to
help seniors who were forced from their nursing homes. And volunteers from
every walk of life have come forward to provide food, clothing, and
blankets - and a shoulder to lean on.
I went to Southern California with a message: We want you to know the
country cares for you. We're concerned about you, your neighborhoods, and
your homes. Things may look dismal now, but there is a better day ahead. And
we will not forget you in Washington, D.C.
Thank you for listening.
