    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: William J. Clinton (1995, Book I)]
    [January 11, 1995]
    [Page 38]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Remarks to California Flood Victims
    January 11, 1995

        Good afternoon. I want to speak to you today about the ferocious
    floods now battering California.
        In recent times, unrelenting rains have ravaged many places across
    our great country, rains that have destroyed people's homes, devastated
    families, carried away the fruits of many, many years of hard work.
    There can be no greater challenge to a community than facing down these
    terrifying tides. Yet that is what Americans can do so well. And that is
    what you, the people of California, are doing at this very minute.
        I want you to know that you have my support and the support of our
    administration to fight this battle the way it has to be fought. Late
    last night, I declared a major disaster across California and asked
    James Lee Witt, the Director of the Federal Emergency Management Agency,
    to oversee our efforts to quickly provide the necessary assistance and
    to get you moving on the road to recovery. At 1 o'clock our time last
    night, he assured me that that is exactly what he would do. We're
    working closely with Governor Wilson, Senator Boxer, and Senator
    Feinstein, with all the local, State, and Federal officials to fight the
    flooding.
        Let me say a special word of thanks to all the young volunteers from
    AmeriCorps, our national service program, and the other volunteers for
    the quick and good work they have done and are doing. Californians have
    proven over the last few years they have a very resilient spirit. And in
    a great sense of community, with the earthquakes and the fires, you have
    shown that you're a people who can come together in times of crisis and
    overcome those crises.
        Our administration has stood with you. Almost a year ago, those of
    you in the Los Angeles area were awakened by that terrible quake. We
    stood by you then, by making available billions of dollars and thousands
    of workers to help in the rebuilding effort, and we'll stand with you
    again.
        Hillary and I send our thoughts and our prayers to the families
    whose loved ones have died and the thousands of you whose lives have
    been disrupted. We wish you well. We'll get through this in good
    American style.

    Note: The President spoke at 3:02 p.m. by satellite from the Roosevelt
    Room at the White House.