Governor Bush Meets with Members of Congress and the American Red Cross to Discuss Florida's Hurricane Recovery Efforts

WASHINGTON D.C.- Governor Jeb Bush today had meetings with members of Congress and the American Red Cross to thank both groups for their efforts, and to provide an update on Florida's response and recovery efforts following Hurricanes Charley, Frances and Ivan.

"I applaud the efforts of Florida's emergency operations personnel, first responders and volunteers, who have worked tirelessly over the past six weeks to assist those affected by these devastating storms. I also thank our federal partners for their support in these difficult times," said Governor Bush. "Floridians face a long and challenging road to recovery, but with the continued help of our federal and community-based partners, we will continue to mobilize resources and offer support to those who have been displaced by these hurricanes."

During his trip, Governor Bush toured the Red Cross Disaster Operations Center, where he thanked workers for their assistance in providing much needed food and supplies to hurricane victims across the state. Since Hurricane Charley, the Red Cross has raised about $53 million in pledges to the relief effort, $24 million of which has already been distributed. In the past five weeks, the Red Cross has opened 1,400 shelters, housing more than 388,000 people in states impacted by hurricanes. In addition, more than 22,000 Red Cross volunteers and staff have served 6.5 million meals in Florida.

Governor Bush also thanked members of Congress for their support in passing a $2 billion Supplemental Budget Appropriation to aid the State of Florida in its relief efforts. The Bush Administration also requested an additional $3.1 billion supplemental budget for disaster relief in the state. The funding will be used for emergency response and recovery, housing needs, health and human services, support for small businesses and various other areas of need.