    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: William J. Clinton (1997, Book I)]
    [June 4, 1997]
    [Page 702]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Statement on Supplemental Disaster Assistance Legislation
    June 4, 1997

        In moving ahead on this flawed legislation, the Republican
    leadership is once again delaying the disaster assistance needed by
    people and communities in the Dakotas, Minnesota, and 30 other States.
    With individuals, families, and businesses awaiting the assistance they
    need to rebuild, I urge the Republican leadership to set politics aside
    and pass a clean disaster assistance bill.
        If the Republican majority is set on this course of adding
    contentious and extraneous provisions, they should send me this bill as
    quickly as possible. I will veto it as soon as it arrives and send it
    back so they can send me a clean disaster assistance bill immediately
    that keeps aid flowing to those in need. Americans in need should not
    have to endure this unnecessary delay.