[Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: William J. Clinton (1995, Book I)]
[April 20, 1995]
[Pages 560-561]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]



Memorandum on Employees Affected by the Oklahoma City Bombing
April 20, 1995

Memorandum for the Heads of Executive Departments and Agencies

Subject: Excused Absence for Employees Affected by the Bombing of the 
Federal Building in Oklahoma City

    I am deeply saddened by the loss of life and suffering caused by the 
bombing of the Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building in Oklahoma City. I 
convey my deepest sympathy and heartfelt sorrow to our fellow Americans 
and their families who have been affected by this senseless act of 
violence. Many parts of the Federal Government have been mobilized to 
respond to this tragedy.
    As part of this effort, I ask the heads of executive departments and 
agencies having Federal civilian employees in the Oklahoma City area

[[Page 561]]

to excuse from duty, without charge to leave or loss of pay, any such 
employee who is prevented from reporting to work or faced with a 
personal emergency because of the bombing and who can be spared from his 
or her usual responsibilities. This policy should also be applied to any 
employee who is needed for emergency law enforcement, relief, or 
recovery efforts authorized by Federal, State, or local officials having 
jurisdiction.
    Workers' compensation benefits are available in the case of Federal 
employees who were injured or killed in the bombing. The Department of 
Labor has sent a team of workers' compensation specialists to Oklahoma 
City to provide direct assistance to affected employees and their 
families.

                                                      William J. Clinton