[Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: William J. Clinton (1999, Book I)]
[January 22, 1999]
[Page 89]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]



[[Page 89]]


Remarks on the Arkansas Tornado Damage
January 22, 1999

    Good morning. I was very sad to learn of the terrible losses 
suffered by the people of Arkansas as tornadoes swept through Little 
Rock, North Little Rock, and 16 other counties in my home State last 
night.
    As you know, there has been considerable loss of life, and we are 
still getting reports. The fact that the Governor's Mansion, where 
Hillary and I raised Chelsea for 12 years, was actually in the path of 
the storm made it all the more real to me.
    Director Witt has just briefed me on the 
damage. He and I have faced challenges like this before at home because 
Arkansas gets so very many tornadoes. And we are deeply committed to 
doing everything we can to help the people there recover.
    I have been in touch with the mayor of Little 
Rock this morning and expect to talk to more of the officials as the day 
goes on. We will be working with them to get whatever appropriate 
assistance is required. And our thoughts and prayers are with them. And 
I expect to get further briefing from Mr. Witt to determine what, if anything else, we should do.
    Thank you very much.

Note: The President spoke at 11 a.m. on the South Lawn at the White 
House, upon returning from the National Academy of Sciences. In his 
remarks, he referred to Mayor Jim Dailey of Little Rock, AR.