Bush Now Spending Time on Hurricane-Relief
Tuesday September 6, 2005 7:31 AM
By WILL LESTER, Associated Press Writer
http://www.guardian.co.uk/worldlatest/story/0,1280,-5258652,00.htmlWASHINGTON (AP) - President Bush is spending much of his time these days on relief efforts for victims of Hurricane Katrina
after his administration was harshly criticized for an initial response to the storm called slow and inadequate. Visiting the devastated region again Monday, Bush tried to repair tattered relations with Louisiana's Democratic governor, Kathleen Blanco, while also praising relief workers.
"This is one of these disasters that will test our soul and test our spirit, but we're going to show the world once again that not only can we survive but we will be stronger and better for it," Bush told workers in Baton Rouge, La. "This is just the beginning of a huge effort." More White House events on storm relief were planned Tuesday, including meetings with Cabinet secretaries and representatives of volunteer organizations. Congress returns to Washington on Tuesday and congressional leaders will consider additional steps to aid the recovery for victims of the hurricane.
Since his return to Washington last week, Bush hasn't gone a day without a public event devoted to the storm and its devastation. But the administration has not been able to quiet complaints about Washington's initial relief efforts. Congress already plans hearings on the federal response.