    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: William J. Clinton (1999, Book I)]
    [May 20, 1999]
    [Page 824]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Radio Remarks on Disaster Relief Provisions in 1999 Emergency
    Supplemental Appropriations Legislation
    May 20, 1999

        On behalf of the many thousands of citizens struggling to put their
    lives back together following the recent string of devastating
    tornadoes, I want to thank the Congress for its approval of the
    supplemental budget. Some $900 million in funding will go immediately to
    the Federal Emergency Management Agency, to ensure there will be no
    interruption in assistance to the disaster victims in Oklahoma, Kansas,
    Tennessee, Texas, and other States.
        Vice President Gore and I saw the devastation first hand. We know
    that many families lost not only loved ones but also everything they
    own. All these families remain in our prayers. And we want them to know
    that their Government will continue to be there for them throughout
    their time of need.

    Note: The President's remarks were recorded at approximately 6:30 p.m.
    in the Oval Office on May 19 for later broadcast. The transcript was
    released by the Office of the Press Secretary on May 20. These remarks
    were also made available on the White House Press Office Radio Actuality
    Line. A tape was not available for verification of the content of these
    remarks.