September 14, 2001

M-01-31

MEMORANDUM FOR THE HEADS OF DEPARTMENTS AND AGENCIES

Today the Congress passed the "Emergency Supplemental Appropriations Act for Recovery from and Response to Terrorist Attacks on the United States, FY 2001." The President will sign this bill into law shortly. In the aftermath of these unspeakable tragedies, the President and the Congress have shown their mutual commitment to ensuring that the Nation has the resources to respond to and recover from the attacks and to protect our national security.

 

The supplemental appropriations bill provides $40 billion for "emergency expenses to respond to the terrorist attacks on the United States that occurred on September 11, 2001." Departments and agencies should continue to take all steps necessary to respond swiftly to urgent requirements and to alleviate human endangerment and suffering. All agency costs directly related to these terrorist attacks will be reimbursed. If you have any questions about the availability of funding, please consult your OMB contact.

 

The Congress has given us extraordinary authority and funding to address this crisis. It is incumbent on us to see that every dollar of these resources is used for the intended purposes and is fully accounted for. Attached for your information are guidelines that OMB will use in identifying and evaluating with you those areas where the funding enacted today should be targeted. These guidelines have been adapted, usually verbatim, from the procedures followed in response to previous emergencies, including Desert Storm, the Northridge earthquake, and the Northwest floods of 1997. A proposed activity is not expected to meet each of these guidelines but, if a request appears to violate one or more, it will be given very close scrutiny.

 

As the President stated on Tuesday, these attacks "will require our country to unite in steadfast determination and resolve." The emergency funding approved today will enable the government to express that resolve through swift and decisive action. If additional appropriations are required, the President will work with the Congress to ensure that all resources necessary to deal with these attacks are available.

 

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