Bill Clinton: “Last night I declared a major disaster in the State of California. The necessary assistance will be made available to…”

“Last night I declared a major disaster in the State of California. The necessary assistance will be made available to thousands of victims of the flooding in both northern and southern California. The Federal Emergency Management Agency, FEMA, is working closely with State and local officials to ensure a quick response to the flood. FEMA Director James Lee Witt is in California to ensure that disaster funds begin to flow quickly to the State. These funds will help to begin the process of recovery, and we'll be with you for the long haul. I want to say a special word of thanks to all the young volunteers from AmeriCorps, our national service program, for the quick and good work they have done. Californians have proven over the last few years that they have a resilient spirit and a great sense of community. You have shown in the earthquake and the fires and now in these floods that you are a people who come together in times of crisis. The American people are with you. Hillary and I send our thoughts and prayers to the thousands of victims, and we wish you well.”