Donald Powell Quotations

We believe that these funds will meet the permanent housing needs of the state so that its residents can return and get back on their feet, not only with a roof over their heads, but with a safe one as well.

This program allows states' leaders -- who are closest to the people -- to decide exactly how this grant money should be spent.

Sean has been a guy who has reached out to me. He seems to have a sense of urgency about this.

Should the commitment not be there, it would be as if there were no protection.

I am aware that there is a great deal of public interest in the Wal-Mart Bank application; however, I believe it is important that the application be processed in a manner that is consistent with current law,

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.

I think everyone in this room understands that the dual banking system is at a crossroads,

I represent the American taxpayer also and I just share that with you to say that it's terribly important, terribly important that the good people of Louisiana, have a plan that is transparent, that is detailed, that is separated from the political winds, that will be administered for oversight, anybody looking at it can question, what's happening and that integrity just gushes from that plan, terribly important. It's a lot of money that the taxpayers are bringing forth.

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.

Like the rest of the economy, banks are feeling the effects of the recession, as well as the aftershocks of the terrorist attacks on America in September,

The American public knows that the banking sector has had record profits for the last four years. It's an opportunity to be generous.

That work is being done as we speak.

Today the president is requesting another $1.5 billion.

There are many things consumers and business owners can do now and in the coming weeks to help put their financial houses back in order in the wake of the Hurricane Katrina, ... The FDIC is doing what we can to try to keep this natural disaster from turning into a financial disaster for all the people harmed by Katrina.

This will enable people to get on with their lives.

Every time some type of natural disaster has hit, the people of this region have come back, and come back stronger than before. Failure is not an option. ... It's too important a task not to do it right.

We just don't know. I would hope it would take fewer years.

The president is committed to rebuilding the Gulf Coast.

This new position allows me to continue to serve my country and help the many people who have had their lives turned completely upside down,

Credit losses are very low now, but mortgage lenders need to be prepared for higher losses,

I've talked to people in all walks of life, from elected officials ... to the guy who repaired my shoes.

The most important news here is that the viable flood maps are being issued today. I think it's important because it brings certainty to some uncertain issues along the greater New Orleans area.

Attracting private sector businesses to invest in the Gulf Coast is critical to rebuilding the region and the economy.

At times, yes, quite frankly, To date the cooperation is extraordinary.

Banks are part of the community. They understand the needs of consumers, and they deal in good faith, promoting goodwill.

That's got long-term consequences, so I'll not be bashful to understand some of those issues and come back and say, 'We need to find a better way to do this,'

It's a very complex issue, and it's important we get it right.

That's a decision between the Legislature and the governor. That's a decision that clearly is a local decision.

Everyone has the same concern and interests -- that the flood maps be available for the four parishes as soon as possible.

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.

It's important that people feel safe and move back into the area. It's important that business create jobs in that particular area. The levee system is vital to that process.

They will be rebuilt stronger and better than they were before Katrina.

The federal government is committed to building the best levee system known in the world. It's a complicated issue.

I'm convinced that what we're doing here today ? if there is another Katrina that hits New Orleans that we would not see the catastrophic results that we saw during Katrina. There will be some flooding, but it will be manageable type flooding.

In short, what we seem to be seeing is a state banking system that is increasing in relative numbers and decreasing in relative size, ... Going forward, there is every indication the relative decline in the assets of state banks will continue.

I think New Orleans and Louisiana need to be safe,

Hopefully that decision will be made sooner rather than later.

I don't think we can design a system that can compete with Mother Nature. What we're saying is that we are going to do whatever is necessary to make sure we have stronger and better levee systems than we've ever had.

The levee system will be better and stronger than it ever has been in the history of New Orleans.

The levee system will be better and safer than it's ever been before.