"As I informed the Nation yesterday, we
are dealing with one of the worst natural disasters in our
country's history. Residents of the Gulf Coast States affected by
the hurricane have lost loved ones, have lost homes, and have
been displaced from their communities. My Administration is
committed to ensuring that they will have the full support of the
Federal Government. Due to the catastrophic nature of Hurricane Katrina, I am asking the Congress to consider expeditiously the enclosed request, totaling $10.5 billion, for an emergency FY 2005 supplemental appropriation for the Departments of Homeland Security and Defense. These funds will ensure that Federal response and recovery efforts continue uninterrupted.
I
hereby designate this proposal in the amount requested herein as
an emergency requirement. This request responds to urgent needs
associated with immediate response and recovery efforts
associated with Hurricane Katrina in Mississippi, Louisiana,
Alabama, and other affected areas. The enclosed request requires immediate action by the Congress to ensure that the Federal response to this disaster continues uninterrupted. I anticipate making a further request in the coming weeks that will provide for a comprehensive response and recovery effort after fully assessing the impact of the hurricane. The details of this request are set forth in the enclosed letter from the Director of the Office of Management and Budget.
"This recovery is going to be a long
process. It's going to take a lot of hard work and patience and
resolve. It's also going to require a lot of money. And the
federal government will do its part. But the private sector needs
to do its part, as well. And that's why I've asked Presidents
Bush and Clinton to lead a nationwide fundraising effort to help
the victims of Hurricane Katrina. 
