Bush Announces New Aid for Latin America

The president's message is simple: the United States has not forgotten its neighbors to the south. "The working poor of Latin America need change and the United States of America is committed to that change."

Administration officials say they are well aware U.S. efforts in the region have been overshadowed by developments elsewhere in the world. They say they understand why some in Latin America feel they have been ignored and strenuously argue that is not the case.

In a Washington speech to a group of Hispanic business leaders, President Bush said he remains committed to bolstering democracies in the region, and helping them serve the poor. He said despite economic gains throughout the hemisphere, too many people remain mired in poverty.

"Nearly one out of four people in Latin America live on less than two dollars a day. Many children never finish grade school. Many mothers never see a doctor. In an age of growing prosperity and abundance, it’s a scandal and it’s a challenge."

Mr. Bush said the United States will provide tens of millions of dollars in additional aid in three key areas: education, health care and housing.