WASHINGTON (AP) - President Bush called on Myanmar's military junta on Tuesday to allow the United States to provide disaster assistance after a devastating cyclone.

"The United States has made an initial aid contribution but we want to do a lot more," Bush said in the Oval Office. "We're prepared to move U.S. Navy assets to help find those who have lost their lives, to help find the missing, to help stabilize the situation. But in order to do so, the military junta must allow our disaster assessment teams into the country."

The death toll in Myanmar, also known as Burma, has soared above 22,000.

"So our message is to the military rulers: let the United States come and help you help the people," Bush said.

He spoke at a ceremony where he signed legislation awarding the Congressional Gold Medal to democracy advocate Aung San Suu Kyi.

"This is a fitting tribute to a courageous woman who speaks for freedom for all the people of Burma and who speaks in such a way that she's a powerful voice, in contrast to the junta that currently rules the country," Bush said.

His wife, Laura, who has made the push for democracy in Myanmar a personal cause, attended the ceremony.

(Copyright 2008 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)

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And a Southwest Florida organization is helping to organize a relief effort for the people devastated by the storm in Myanmar.

New Mission Systems International, a Fort Myers based missionary training organization is collecting funds to start the relief effort.

You can send checks to:

Post Office Box 547
Fort Myers, Florida 33902

Or call (239) 337-4336 to donate. They hope to raise half a million dollars to help bring aid to Myanmar.