George W. Bush: “The Corps continues to improve the hurricane protection system.”

History will remember him as among the finest public servants of his generation – a patriot who brought integrity, high intelligence, and seriousness of purpose to every position.

We are heartbroken by the loss of life and the agony so many are feeling.

Is it in our interest that 25 million people who would have died now live? I think it is. On behalf of a grateful nation, thank you for your hard work and God bless you.

We know our words cannot help, but we believe the prayers of so many Americans will.