[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 35, Number 43 (Monday, November 1, 1999)]
[Page 2188]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

<R04>
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 Actuality Line.