George W. Bush photo

Exchange With Reporters in Council Bluffs, Iowa

February 28, 2001

Earthquake in Washington State

Q. Mr. President, any reaction to the earthquake news?

The President. I talked to the FEMA Director. He is on top of it. He is gathering all the information. He is in touch with the officials in the State of Washington. I think the Governor is on an airplane now, but as soon as he lands, we'll be in touch. Then we will assess whatever damage, and we will provide whatever resources are necessary to help the people.

Q. When were you told?

The President. I was told in Omaha.

Q. Do you have a message for the people of Washington?

The President. Well, God bless, obviously. Anything we can do to help, we will do so.

Q. Can you talk about your contingency plan as part of your budget outline and how this——

The President. Well, we've got money set aside for emergencies such as these.

NOTE: The exchange began at approximately 2:35 p.m. at the Old Carnegie Library. In his remarks, the President referred to Gov. Gary Locke of Washington. A tape was not available for verification of the content of this exchange.

George W. Bush, Exchange With Reporters in Council Bluffs, Iowa Online by Gerhard Peters and John T. Woolley, The American Presidency Project https://www.presidency.ucsb.edu/node/214139

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