George W. Bush: “I want to compliment the local folks for the heroic efforts they made to save life.”

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 look forward to working with him and the National Archives to build a world-class Presidential library and museum that will be an important resource for scholars and the general public.

Is it in our national interests that 25 million people who would have died now live? I think it is, and so do you.

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