Remarks During a Tour of Areas Damaged by Hurricane Wilma in Pompano Beach, Florida October 27, 2005

Administration of George W. Bush, 2005 / Oct. 27

wife, and a wonderful First Lady for our NOTE: The President spoke at 9:35 a.m. at country. Howard University. The transcript released Laura Bush. by the Office of the Press Secretary also in- cluded the remarks of the First Lady.

Remarks During a Tour of Areas Damaged by Hurricane Wilma in Pompano Beach, Florida October 27, 2005

I have come here with the Governor and are moving quite rapidly, and that one of the mayor of this area because I wanted her concerns is generators. And Jeb and to thank all the volunteers who’ve come I spoke to her about the generators that down to help people in need. And it’s— are being moved from a central location there’s an amazing spirit after a disaster, to parts of Florida that need the generating and that spirit is the spirit of people willing capacity to get their life up and running. to give of their time. I’ve also come to Things don’t happen instantly, but things make sure the Federal response dovetails are happening. Right here on this site peo- in with the State efforts. And people ple are getting fed. Soon, more and more here—what I’ve heard are people con- houses will have their electricity back on cerned about gasoline. A lot of the gaso- and life will get back to normal. In the line—the lines that people are standing in meantime, the Federal Government, work- will be alleviated by new ships coming in, ing with the State and local governments, and they’ll be able to off-load the gasoline are responding as best as we possibly can. and make sure the stations have got fuel. Again, I’m impressed by the deep com- But a lot of the gasoline issues relate to passion and care of our fellow citizens. Out the fact that the electricity is not up and of these disasters oftentimes comes some running. good. And one of the good that comes out I know people are frustrated because of a disaster is it gives people a chance they don’t have power on yet, but I’ve been to love a neighbor, to help somebody in told by Jeb and others that there are at need. least 6,000 people from out of State work- So thank you all for giving me a chance ing with the power people here in-State to come by. to get people’s lines up as quick as possible. In other words, this is a priority. People are working hard to get your electricity NOTE: The President spoke at 1:45 p.m. In back on. his remarks, he referred to Gov. Jeb Bush The mayor wanted me to make sure that of Florida; and Mayor Kristin D. Jacobs of I told the citizens here that water and ice Broward County, FL.

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Statement Announcing the Withdrawal of the Nomination of Harriet E. Miers To Be an Associate Justice of the United States Supreme Court October 27, 2005

Today I have reluctantly accepted Har- I understand and share her concern, riet Miers’s decision to withdraw her nomi- however, about the current state of the Su- nation to the Supreme Court of the United preme Court confirmation process. It is States. clear that Senators would not be satisfied I nominated Harriet Miers to the Su- until they gained access to internal docu- preme Court because of her extraordinary ments concerning advice provided during legal experience, her character, and her her tenure at the White House—disclosures conservative judicial philosophy. Through- that would undermine a President’s ability out her career, she has gained the respect to receive candid counsel. Harriet Miers’s and admiration of her fellow attorneys. She decision demonstrates her deep respect for has earned a reputation for fairness and this essential aspect of the Constitutional total integrity. She has been a leader and separation of powers—and confirms my deep respect and admiration for her. a pioneer in the American legal profession. I am grateful for Harriet Miers’s friend- She has worked in important positions in ship and devotion to our country. And I State and local government and in the bar. am honored that she will continue to serve And for the last 5 years, she has served our Nation as White House Counsel. with distinction and honor in critical posi- My responsibility to fill this vacancy re- tions in the executive branch. mains. I will do so in a timely manner.

Statement on the Launch of a Nationwide Effort To Respond to the South Asia Earthquake October 27, 2005

Five distinguished private-sector leaders the United Nations Emergency Donors’ have agreed to launch a nationwide effort Conference for South Asia Earthquake Re- to encourage private donations for relief lief in Geneva. and reconstruction in response to the South Asia earthquake that occurred on October 8. These leaders will work with other The business leaders are Jeff Immelt, Americans to raise awareness and resources chairman and CEO of the General Electric to help those in need as a result of this Company; Hank McKinnell, Jr., Ph.D., disaster. chairman and CEO of Pfizer, Inc.; Sandy Weill, chairman of Citigroup, Inc.; Anne This private-sector effort will com- Mulcahy, chairman and CEO of Xerox Cor- plement the commitment the United States poration; and Jim Kelly, former chairman Government has made in terms of funding, and CEO of United Parcel Service of relief commodities, and critical military America, Inc. In the coming days, they will logistical support. In addition, the United ask Americans to donate directly to a fund States has sent a delegation, headed by set up to provide help to the earthquake USAID Administrator Andrew Natsios, to victims.

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