WASHINGTON (AP) - The current drought is the worst ever recorded for agriculture in four Northeastern states, and it threatens to cripple businesses and communities that depend on devastated farm economies, President Clinton said Friday. "Throughout much of this country, we have seen the worst drought since the Dust Bowl days," Clinton said today before leaving the White House for a weekend trip to Arkansas and Missouri. The drought is the worst ever for farmers in Maryland, Delaware, New Jersey and Rhode Island, the president said. Maryland and New Jersey have imposed state water restrictions. The Senate approved $7.4 billion in emergency farm aid on Wednesday. The House will consider an emergency aid package after the recess.