It became very apparent to me after visiting with the administration, visiting with the president, that there would be no rebuilding of New Orleans unless people felt safe. That is the number one issue.
Rebuilding should not become an exercise in centralized planning. If federal bureaucrats determine the path of rebuilding, local insight and initiative will be overrun and local needs overlooked.
The president is committed to rebuilding the Gulf Coast.
Attracting private sector businesses to invest in the Gulf Coast is critical to rebuilding the region and the economy.
The administration will come out with a certain level and then it will be up to Congress to decide on the level. The president is committed to rebuilding the Gulf Coast.