);

Bush Assures Four States of Hurricane Aid

Facing re-election, President George W. Bush assured thegovernors of states in the path of Hurricane Ivan that federal aidwould be supplied to help citizens recover from the storm that hasalready hit Florida and promises to pound Alabama, Mississippi, andLouisiana.  

 

“The government is ready to help,” Bush said.So far, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has storedice, water and generators in warehouses so supplies can bedelivered quickly to affected areas, according to White Housespokesman Scott McClellan. He said disaster-response and reliefteams, including urban search and rescue units were also beingdeployed.  

 

“FEMA will deploy supplies and equipment tothose areas that are hardest hit first, especially the water, iceand the meals,” McClellan said.  

 

The Bush administration is being as supportiveas possible. “I told all four governors the people of this countryare praying for their safety,” Bush said. “We pray that the stormpasses as quickly as possible without any loss of life or loss ofproperty.”  

 

On Tuesday he asked Congress for an additional$3.1 billion to help Florida and other states recover from recenthurricanes.