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. |
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. |
It's a very complex issue, and it's important we get it right. |
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. |
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, |
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. |
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. |
That work is being done as we speak. |
That's a decision between the Legislature and the governor. That's a decision that clearly is a local decision. |
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,' |
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. |
The American public knows that the banking sector has had record profits for the last four years. It's an opportunity to be generous. |
The federal government is committed to building the best levee system known in the world. It's a complicated issue. |
The levee system will be better and safer than it's ever been before. |