[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 34, Number 33 (Monday, August 17, 1998)]
[Page 1633]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

<R04>
Statement on Announcing Assistance to Heat-Stricken Areas in the South 
and Southwest

August 14, 1998

    Today I am pleased to announce that additional relief is on the way 
to thousands directly impacted by the heat wave in the South and 
Southwest.
    On July 23, I announced the release of $100 million in emergency Low 
Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) funds to the 11 Southern 
and Southwestern States that were hit hardest by the heat wave. Since 
this time, the heat wave has continued, so today I am directing the 
Department of Health and Human Services to release an additional $50 
million in LIHEAP assistance to those 11 States.
    Funds will be released to 11 Southern and Southwestern States: 
Texas, Arkansas, Louisiana, South Carolina, Oklahoma, Georgia, Florida, 
Alabama, Tennessee, North Carolina, and Mississippi.
    This scorching heat wave has destroyed crops, caused widespread 
power outages, and worst of all, led to the deaths of more than 100 
Americans. The heat poses the greatest threat to our most vulnerable 
citizens--children, the disabled, and the elderly. And for all those who 
cannot afford air-conditioning, the high temperatures will continue to 
be life-threatening.
    The release of these emergency LIHEAP funds will help eligible 
families and individuals pay for costs associated with home cooling, 
including the purchase of air-conditioners and payment of electricity 
bills.
    This emergency relief was paid for in last year's bipartisan 
balanced budget agreement. And thanks to our bipartisan commitment, 
thousands of Americans will be better able to protect their children and 
families this summer.