IV 111th CONGRESS 1st Session H. RES. 525 IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES June 10, 2009 Mr. Etheridge submitted the following resolution; which was referred to the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform RESOLUTION Expressing condolences to the families, friends, and loved ones of the victims of the catastrophic explosion at the ConAgra Foods plant in Garner, North Carolina, and for other purposes.

Whereas the people of North Carolina experienced a devastating tragedy with the loss of three lives in a massive explosion that destroyed the ConAgra Foods plant in Garner, North Carolina, shortly before 11:30 a.m. on June 9, 2009; Whereas 300 workers were on-site when the blast occurred; Whereas three workers lost their lives when the explosion ripped through the plant; Whereas at least 40 employees were injured, including four with critical burns; Whereas three brave firefighters were treated for smoke inhalation; Whereas dozens of Federal, State, and local officials and private citizens have cooperated to respond to the emergency, investigate the accident, and provide assistance to families of the victims; Whereas the United States Chemical Safety Board has opened an investigation into the cause of the explosion, and Federal and State agencies will work together to ensure public health and safety in this disaster’s aftermath; and Whereas the 500,000-square-foot plant, one of the largest owned by ConAgra Foods, employs 900 people: Now, therefore, be it

That the House of Representatives— (1)expresses condolences to the families, friends, and loved ones of the victims of the explosion at the ConAgra Foods plant in Garner, North Carolina; (2)honors Barbara McLean Spears of Dunn, North Carolina, Lewis Junior Watson of Clayton, North Carolina, and Rachel Mae Poston Pulley of Clayton, North Carolina, who lost their lives in the explosion, and the 40 others who were injured; (3)expresses sympathies to the people of Garner, the entire State of North Carolina, and the Nation who grieve for the victims; (4)commends the heroic actions of the first responders and emergency services personnel; and (5)commends the hundreds of volunteers who worked together to respond to this tragedy with tremendous courage.