    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: WILLIAM J. CLINTON (1999, Book II)]
    [October 29, 1999]
    [Page 1915]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    [[Page 1915]]

    Radio Remarks on Emergency Agricultural Assistance
    October 29, 1999

        Today, as provided for in the agriculture appropriations bill I
    signed last week, I am designating $8.8 billion in emergency assistance
    to our Nation's farmers and ranchers. This assistance will hasten
    payments to farmers who are recovering from the second year in a row of
    low commodity prices and crop and livestock losses from severe drought
    and flooding.
        This is only a one-year temporary fix for the overall problems
    facing our farmers. They are the lifeblood of our land. Again I call on
    the Congress to enact a permanent fix to the severe shortcomings in the
    1996 farm bill.

    Note: The President's remarks were recorded at approximately 6:20 p.m.
    on October 28 in the Map Room at the White House for later broadcast.
    The transcript was released by the Office of the Press Secretary on
    October 29. These remarks were also made available on the White House
    Press Office Radio Actuality Line.