The Public Record
Bill Jefferson Clinton served as the 42nd President of the United States from January 20, 1993, to January 20, 2001. A member of the Democratic Party, he previously held the position of Governor of Arkansas from 1983 to 1992. During his presidency, Clinton focused on several key policies, including welfare reform, economic growth, and healthcare reform. His administration is noted for achieving a budget surplus and for the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA).
It's a long way away, but the focus of those high- flung summits is to affect the lives of people like the folks on this street for the better. So in a way, it's a good way to come home, and I should be here. Midwest Flooding Mr. Blitzer…
Well, I will certainly give them a briefing on this issue, and I want to talk about what happened on our trip and what happened at the Tokyo summit and how important it is for us now to pass this budget. This is our part of the bargain. We…
Could be. Mr. Blitzer. And tomorrow you're supposed to go up to Capitol Hill to meet with some Members of the House and Senate, I take it, to discuss this issue or the whole G-7 Tokyo summit?
Same questions. And they're legitimate questions, and they can be looked into. But I have to tell you again, I want to say that when water gets 4 feet higher than the 100-year flood plain, it's almost impossible to conclude that some…
Well, if we need them, we can provide some, certainly. But so far, it's my understanding that the National Guard and the other human resources are sufficient for that at this time. If we need more, we can provide more. We've made it clear…
We've never had a time, for example, in my State-- which has more tornadoes per capita than any State and where we've had a lot of flooding--we've never had all our counties on disaster relief. And this is highly unusual. [A participant…
Every one. Mr. Mickelson. I can't remember that ever occurring in midwestern history. What about you, sir? This is just----
Perhaps only because of the purpose for which I'm here today. [At this point, a participant asked how disaster assistance costs would affect deficit reduction.]
Actually, my greatest pleasure being President is when you do something that you think affects people's lives in a positive way. There is so much in public life---- Mr. Mickelson. Would you include category B in that category? [Laughter]
Good afternoon, Anne. [At this point, Ms. Keith asked about flood insurance reform and the length of the response time.]
That's right. Mr. Mickelson. The second thing is, this $2.5 billion you're talking about--and you implied that it will be left somewhat open-ended--we won't even know for sure the extent of the damage, especially the crop- related damage…
A lot more water over more of the State and a lot of residential and business damage in addition to the agricultural damage. It is very substantial, and it changes the mix of what our responsibilities are. It also makes it a little more…
I have heard the general principle advanced, it would be nice if we paid for it all with offsets, but I haven't seen any specific suggestions.
This initiative reaffirms my commitment to helping communities help themselves.
Let me say again, point one, the Federal Government has never compensated natural disasters a dollar-for-dollar for every kind of disaster loss.
Today I am sending to Congress an innovative proposal that will bring new life and new opportunity and new directions to communities all over America that lack capital and credit.
I thank them for their presence here and for their fine presentations.
The ultimate purpose of deficit reduction is to improve the economy by getting interest rates down.
The bill proposes establishment of a Community Development Banking and Financial Institutions Fund that would support a program of investment in community development financial institutions.
This is the first time in 10 years plus, the first time since 1981 an American President has gone to a meeting of the world's seven great industrial powers and not been criticized because of the American budget deficit.
Each of these five individuals has expertise in environmental issues, meaningful Government experience, and most importantly, a strong commitment to protecting our Nation's precious natural resources.
There is a feeling shared from Tokyo to Toronto: People want more control over their lives, their families, their communities, and their countries.
This legislative initiative will promote the creation of community development financial institutions that will empower individuals and communities and provide for greater economic opportunity.
Politicians like Bill Clinton
