This
past week, I sent a delegation led by Secretary of State Colin Powell
and Governor Jeb Bush, of Florida, to the Indian Ocean region. They
surveyed the damage in several countries, met with local and regional
leaders, assessed the relief efforts in place and began to evaluate what
more can be done to help. Secretary Powell reported that American relief
efforts are making major visible progress.
We have made an initial commitment of $350 million in aid. And those
funds are being distributed promptly to organizations on the ground.
Navy vessels, including the USS Abraham Lincoln, have moved into the
region to help provide, food, medical supplies and clean water.
Helicopters and other military aircraft are meeting critical needs by
airlifting supplies directly to victims in remote areas. As in so many
other places, our servicemen and women are showing the courage and
compassion of our nation to the world.
We're also seeing the good heart of America in an outpouring of
generosity here at home. Private citizens are showing their compassion
in creative and inspiring ways. On a rainy day in Washington state,
children sold hot chocolate by the side of the road and gave their
profits to charity. Seven professional basketball players pledged to
donate a thousand dollars to UNICEF for every point they scored in a
game. American businesses have contributed cash and products, and many
are matching donations by their employees. Churches, temples,
synagogues, mosques and other religious congregations are taking up
special collections for disaster victims.
To draw even greater amounts of private donations, I asked former
Presidents Bill Clinton and George Bush to lead a nationwide charitable
fundraising drive. Their mission is to encourage contributions both
large and small, directly to the organizations with recovery efforts
underway in the disaster area.
I am grateful to the courageous relief groups that have responded so
quickly to this catastrophe, including the Red Cross and Red Crescent,
Salvation Army, Catholic Relief Services, Save The Children, CARE,
AmeriCares and many others. Many of these organizations have long
experience with natural disasters and in-depth knowledge of the recovery
needs. They're in the best position to use donations wisely and
effectively.
To encourage support for these groups, I have signed legislation
allowing Americans to deduct from their 2004 federal income tax cash
contributions made to tsunami relief efforts this month. I urge all
Americans to contribute as they are able. More information about making
a donation is available on the Internet at
www.usafreedomcorps.gov.
In this time of grief for so many around the world, Americans have
come together to pray for the victims and families of the tsunami
disaster. We think especially of the children who have been lost, and
the survivors searching for their families. And we offer our sustained
compassion and generosity as the people of the devastated region begin
to rebuild.
Thank you for listening.