[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 25 (Monday, March 3, 1997)]
[Senate]
[Page S1813]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                      VICTIMS OF NATURAL DISASTERS

  Mr. DeWINE. Mr. President, I rise today, on behalf of the people of 
Ohio, to express our deepest sympathy to the families of all those who 
have suffered injury and loss of life in this weekend's tornadoes, 
flooding, and other natural disasters. Our hearts certainly go out to 
everyone who has suffered, at this time of their need.
  I personally experienced the Xenia tornado of 1974, and I know how 
awful such devastation can be. When I saw the pictures over the weekend 
of the homes totally torn apart in Arkansas, I was reminded of what I 
saw in 1974 in Xenia, OH. I was assistant prosecuting attorney at the 
time. We heard the tornado was coming and got down in the basement. 
After the tornado had passed over, I literally crawled out of the 
basement of the building, what was left of it, and looked at Xenia and 
saw the unbelievable devastation. So I have some understanding of what 
the people of Arkansas and the people of other States are going through 
with regard to these natural disasters.
  Let me talk for a moment about the terrible tragedy that took place 
in my home State of Ohio this weekend, and what we possibly can do to 
give assistance. The southern part of our State was ravaged by the 
worst flooding we have experienced in at least 33 years. At least four 
people have died so far, and 14 counties are now in a state of 
emergency. Bridges have been wiped out; houses and cars have been swept 
away. Our thoughts and prayers go to the families of those who have 
lost their lives, and to all those who have been evacuated from their 
homes and all those who face this disaster.
  Along with Senator Glenn and my colleagues from Ohio in the House of 
Representatives, I will be working with the administration to make sure 
the Federal Government helps these Ohioans get back to their homes. I 
am encouraged by President Clinton's swift response with Federal aid 
for Arkansas, and I encourage him to help Ohioans as well. We will be 
working to make sure everyone gets home safely as soon as possible.
  Let me also talk about the tremendous job the American Red Cross, the 
Ohio National Guard, local volunteer groups, local fire departments, 
and rescue squads are doing in my home State. They have been working 
this weekend, they are working right now, as we speak. My hat is off to 
them. I send my congratulations and thanks for the tremendous amount of 
work they are doing. They are offering a desperately needed helping 
hand to some families who are having a very, very difficult time.
  My wife Fran and I extend our prayers to all who have been touched in 
any way by this tragedy. To those who have lost their lives and those 
who have been forced from their homes, and to their families, I stand 
ready to work with all Ohioans to help their communities return to 
normal just as soon as possible.

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