Beyond terrorism, this was the one event I was most concerned with always.

I came here today to listen and learn and report back to the president. I'm prepared ... to go back and report to the president that these folks have done a great job.

I know a lot of people right now want to point fingers and criticize, but people should keep their powder dry.

This storm is far from over. We can't take anything for granted.

That's going to take awhile, I know. City engineers as well as the [Army] Corps of Engineers are working right now to dredge out an area around Pier 6 so we can bring in barges and help facilitate the removal of the debris. But it's going to take months.

President Bush has made this declaration so Tennessee can get back on their feet and go on with their lives as quickly as possible.