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U.S. GOVERNMENT 1: President Signs Hurricane Relief Bill

President Bush signed a bill Wednesday morning providing more than $2 billion in disaster relief for areas of Florida devastated by recent hurricanes.

The president requested the money on August 27 after Hurricane Charley caused heavy damage along Florida’s west coast. When Hurricane Frances swept into the state this week, President Bush designated the request an emergency in order to make the money available sooner.

Congress has just returned from a six-week summer recess, and leaders emphasized that disaster relief would be their first concern. “We need to reach out and aggressively respond to help the people of Florida," said Senate Majority Leader Bill Frist, a Republican from Tennessee.

Most of the $2 billion will go to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). Residents of counties that have been declared federal disaster areas can apply to FEMA to receive aid to rebuild damaged property. FEMA also aids in debris removal and provides emergency food and shelter. Additionally, the Small Business Administration will receive $30 million to provide loan programs to help local businesses.

President Bush surveyed the hurricane damage Wednesday on his third visit to Florida since mid-August. A White House spokesman said the president planned to ask Congress for more disaster relief money soon. Congressional officials said they would consider a second relief bill once they received more details on the extent of the damage.

--Written by Saundra Latham

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