[Congressional Bills 111th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[H. Res. 1070 Introduced in House (IH)]

111th CONGRESS
  2d Session
H. RES. 1070

     Expressing gratitude and appreciation to the individuals and 
organizations that comprise the National Urban Search and Rescue System 
    of the Federal Emergency Management Agency for their unyielding 
determination and work as first responders to victims of disasters and 
  other incidents, including the victims of the recent earthquake in 
                     Haiti, and for other purposes.


_______________________________________________________________________


                    IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

                            February 3, 2010

 Ms. Norton submitted the following resolution; which was referred to 
           the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure

_______________________________________________________________________

                               RESOLUTION


 
     Expressing gratitude and appreciation to the individuals and 
organizations that comprise the National Urban Search and Rescue System 
    of the Federal Emergency Management Agency for their unyielding 
determination and work as first responders to victims of disasters and 
  other incidents, including the victims of the recent earthquake in 
                     Haiti, and for other purposes.

Whereas a 7.0 magnitude earthquake struck the nation of Haiti on January 12, 
        2010, resulting in the loss of more than 112,000 lives, injuring more 
        than 190,000 others, and causing extensive damage to the nation, most 
        notably to the capital city of Port-au-Prince;
Whereas the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has agreements with 28 
        urban search and rescue teams under which the teams conduct search and 
        rescue missions in response to disasters and other incidents from all 
        hazards, as authorized by the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and 
        Emergency Assistance Act;
Whereas these teams, known as Urban Search and Rescue Task Forces (Task Forces), 
        are comprised of State and local first responders who, in the event of a 
        disaster or other incident, can be activated by Federal, State, or local 
        governments to assist in rescuing victims of structural collapse or 
        conducting other search and rescue missions;
Whereas each Task Force is comprised of 70 members, who are multifaceted and 
        cross trained in the 6 major functional areas of search, rescue, 
        medical, hazardous materials, logistics, and planning, and who are 
        supported by trained canines able to conduct physical search and heavy 
        rescue operations;
Whereas the Task Forces have been activated for natural and man-made disasters 
        and incidents both at home and abroad, including hurricanes, 
        earthquakes, and the attacks of September 11, 2001;
Whereas 6 Task Forces, comprised of 510 personnel, were activated and sent to 
        assist in the ongoing rescue efforts being led by the United States 
        Agency for International Development in Haiti;
Whereas these Task Forces were from Fairfax, Virginia; Virginia Beach, Virginia; 
        Miami-Dade, Florida; Miami, Florida; Los Angeles County, California; and 
        New York, New York; and
Whereas the Task Forces deployed to Haiti have rescued at least 47 individuals: 
        Now, therefore, be it
    Resolved, That the House of Representatives--
            (1) expresses its most sincere gratitude and appreciation 
        to the individuals and organizations that comprise the National 
        Urban Search and Rescue System of the Federal Emergency 
        Management Agency (FEMA) for their unyielding determination and 
        work as first responders to victims of disasters from all 
        hazards;
            (2) expresses its support for FEMA, including FEMA's Urban 
        Search and Rescue Task Forces, as FEMA undertakes response and 
        recovery efforts in connection with the earthquake that struck 
        Haiti on January 12, 2010; and
            (3) honors United States emergency responders for their 
        constant bravery and sacrifice during times of great tragedy 
        and disaster.
                                 <all>