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Cedar Rapids
Iowa

12:01 P.M. CDT

THE PRESIDENT: Our job is to come down here -- and I want to thank the Senator and Congressman and members of the Cabinet -- just to listen to what you got on your mind. Obviously, to the extent that we can help immediately we want to help, and then plan for recovery.

I know a lot of farmers and cattlemen are hurting right now, along with the city people. The other thing I think is just very important is that -- and the Senator and Governor have made it clear -- that as we worry about Cedar Rapids we also got to worry about the little towns. A lot of folks are wondering whether or not the government hears about them, too, and I can assure you that I know the Governor cares deeply about it, and so do we.

Paulison, who is the head of FEMA, tells me that there are 600 FEMA people moving around the state, and that ought to help the people in the smaller communities know that somebody is there to listen to them and care about them.

Our hearts and prayers are -- from around the nation go out to people here. It's a tough time for you.

MAYOR HALLORAN: It is.

THE PRESIDENT: The good news is the people in Iowa are tough-minded people. You'll come back better. Sometimes it's hard to see it when you're this close to the deal.

MAYOR HALLORAN: Well, and it's going to take time.

THE PRESIDENT: A lot of people aren't getting much sleep these days, but -- (laughter) -- you're exhausted, I understand that.

But we want to -- Congress passed a -- is about to pass a big chunk of disaster money, which will put -- help put people's mind at ease and that will -- we're going to help people -- help you recover.

Anyway, thanks for letting us come by and say --

GOVERNOR CULVER: Thank you, Mr. President. (Applause.) If I could, just very quickly, I want to thank the President on behalf of the people of Iowa --

THE PRESIDENT: Get those cameras back in here. (Laughter.)

GOVERNOR CULVER: And I -- I want to make sure they get in trouble -- (laughter.) But I also want to thank this incredible team, all of these people in this room, just an amazing team. All the people standing up here, thank you. And we will rebuild this state and this city, and it will be even better and even stronger as a result. Thank you. (Applause.)

END 12:03 P.M. CDT

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