Bush links September 11 to 'challenge' posed by Katrina

He added: "Our people have the spirit, the resources and the determination to overcome any challenge."

Officials said his speech would be the first of several steps the White House would take to try to intertwine the so-called war on terror with the effort to recover from the hurricane. The Bush administration has been widely criticised for failing to respond quickly enough to help the victims of Katrina.

This weekend Mr Bush is to travel to Mississippi and Louisiana, spending tomorrow and Monday talking to storm victims and examining response efforts. His radio address today is also expected to focus on Katrina and the 9/11 anniversary.