WASHINGTON, Sept. 10 (UPI) -- President Bush praised the "compassionate character" of the people of the United States and said the country will be stronger because of the hurricane ordeal.
Speaking Saturday in his weekly radio address, Bush outlined the government response to the hurricane, which hit the U.S. Gulf Cost two weeks ago, causing billions of dollars in damages. Several hundred people died, although a final death toll is unknown.
"Once more our hearts ache for our fellow citizens and many are left with questions about the future," the president said. "Yet we are again being reminded that adversity brings out the best in the American spirit."
He praised rescue personnel in the affected areas and people and organizations comforting people left without homes or missing loved ones. Bush pointed out that Congress approved some $52 billion in emergency funding, some of which is being used in the form of $2,000 debit cards for stricken families. Millions more in cash and goods have been donated by the American people.
Bush said: "Our greatest resource in such times is the compassionate character of the American people, because even the most destructive storm cannot weaken the heart and soul of our nation. America will overcome this ordeal, and we will be stronger for it."
