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I propose the creation of a Gulf opportunity zone. Within this zone we should provide immediate incentives for investment, tax relief for small businesses, and loan guarantees for businesses, including minority owned businesses.
I propose the creation of worker recovery accounts. Under this plan the federal government would provide accounts of up to $5,000 which these evacuees could draw upon while looking for a job, and for childcare.
I propose an Urban homesteading act, which would identify property owned by the federal govenrment, and provide housing free of charge determined by a lottery.
It is the armies of compassion that give our reconstruction effort its humanity...
(Gave the FEMA telephone number on the airwaves.)
Wants to know all the facts about government response to Hurricane Katrina....
Yet the system was not well coordinated and was overwhelmed in the first few days. It is now clear that a challenge of this level requires greater federal authority and a broader role for the armed forces... Four years after September 11th, Americans have every right to expect a more effective response. I as president am responsible for the problem and the solution. So I have ordered every cabinet secretary to engage in a comprehensive review of the Katrina response. Congress has an important oversight role....
Tim Russert reaction - The president demonstrated he understands the magnitude of this crisis. But we are three weeks into this. One speech alone will not solve his political problems. Three out of four Americans do not believe their government is prepared to protect them in a time of crisis. This is not a quick fix...
David Gregory - We are just not used to this president admitting mistakes...
Update: Here's the transcript.
Update II: More speech reaction here.
Posted by Laura at September 15, 2005 09:30 PM