[Congressional Bills 110th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[H. Res. 851 Engrossed in House (EH)]


                In the House of Representatives, U. S.,

                                                     December 17, 2007.
Whereas on December 2 and 3, 2007, a storm with winds exceeding 120 miles per 
        hour struck Oregon and Washington, toppled trees, felled power lines, 
        and destroyed homes and businesses;
Whereas more than ten inches of rain fell in 24 hours, inundating parts of 
        Oregon and Washington, causing rivers to overflow, flooding homes, 
        schools, businesses, and roads;
Whereas the combination of hurricane-force winds and torrential rains caused 
        devastating damage that isolated towns, left citizens without housing, 
        transportation, communications, water, heat, or electricity;
Whereas local and State emergency personnel responded heroically and without 
        hesitation to aid in rescue, recovery, and assistance efforts;
Whereas the Oregon and Washington National Guard and the U.S. Coast Guard 
        rescued hundreds of individuals trapped in or on their homes by rising 
        water;
Whereas the people of Oregon and Washington rose to become extraordinary 
        citizens by helping each other, opening their homes, schools, churches, 
        and businesses to shelter their neighbors;
Whereas amateur radio operators performed vital communication duties in 
        assisting first responders;
Whereas the National Weather Service forecasts helped avert even greater 
        casualties and damage;
Whereas people have perished in the storm;
Whereas homes, businesses, schools, and roads have been closed;
Whereas many long-term effects of the storm are still unknown; and
Whereas thousands of people of the Pacific Northwest are without power, water, 
        or road access: Now, therefore, be it
    Resolved, That the House of Representatives--
            (1) honors the citizens of the Pacific Northwest for their courage 
        in facing the storm and efforts in helping their neighbors in a time of 
        great need;
            (2) honors the National Weather Service, State and local police 
        officers, fire fighters, local rescue personnel, other first responders, 
        and amateur radio operators for their efforts in the face of the severe 
        storm;
            (3) extends its thoughts and prayers to those whose lives have been 
        devastated, and who have lost their housing, transportation, 
        communications, water, heat, or electricity; and
            (4) extends its profound and deepest sympathies to the families and 
        friends of those who perished.
            Attest:

                                                                          Clerk.