White House cuts short schedule to monitor Katrina

The White House today arranged for US President George Bush to return to Washington two days ahead of schedule to help monitor federal efforts to assist victims of Hurricane Katrina.

“We have got a lot of work to do,” Bush said.

The president had been scheduled to return to the US capital on Friday, after spending more than four weeks operating from his ranch in central Texas. But the White House decided to move the president’s return up to tomorrow.

Bush was in San Diego to deliver a speech commemorating the Allies’ World War II victory over Japan and promoting his war-on-terror agenda. Later today, he is due to fly back to Texas, but spending only one night at his ranch.

“This morning, our hearts and prayers are with our fellow citizens along the Gulf Coast,” Bush told Navy sailors and World War II veterans, the USS Ronald Reagan aircraft carrier at his back.

“We know that many are anxious to return to their homes. It’s not possible at this moment.”