[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 97 (Monday, July 20, 1998)]
[House]
[Pages H5880-H5883]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
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EXPRESSING CONDOLENCES TO THE STATE AND PEOPLE OF FLORIDA FOR LOSSES
SUFFERED AS A RESULT OF WILD LAND FIRES
Mrs. FOWLER. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to
the concurrent resolution (H. Con. Res. 298) expressing deepest
condolences to the State and people of Florida for the losses suffered
as a result of the wild land fires occurring in June and July 1998,
expressing support to the State and people of Florida as they overcome
the effects of the fires, and commending the heroic efforts of fire
fighters from across the Nation in battling the fires.
The Clerk read as follows:
H. Con. Res. 298
Whereas during June and July 1998, wild land fires
destroyed approximately 500,000 acres of land in northeast
and central Florida, having an aggregate value of more than
$276,000,000;
Whereas the fires have affected 67 counties in the State of
Florida;
Whereas the President of the United States issued a major
disaster declaration for the State of Florida;
Whereas the fires have damaged at least 367 homes and 33
businesses;
Whereas the fires have caused business closures and have
aggravated drought conditions, which will have a long-term
impact on the economy of the region;
Whereas the fires have caused injuries to at least 95
people, the majority of whom are firefighters;
Whereas approximately 7,000 firefighters from 46 States
have braved extreme conditions to assist firefighters in
Florida in fighting the fires;
Whereas many agencies of or established by the Federal
Government, including the Federal Emergency Management
Agency, the Forest Service, the Department of Defense, the
Department of Transportation, AmeriCorps, the Small Business
Administration, the General Services Administration, the
National Guard, the American National Red Cross, and the
Civil Air Patrol, have contributed vital support functions in
response to the fires; and
Whereas many State and local government agencies have also
contributed vital support functions in response to the fires:
Now, therefore, be it
Resolved by the House of Representatives (the Senate
concurring), That the Congress--
(1) expresses deepest condolences to the State and people
of Florida for the losses suffered as a result of the wild
land fires occurring in June and July 1998;
(2) expresses support to the State and people of Florida as
they overcome the effects of the fires;
(3) commends the heroic efforts of firefighters from across
the Nation in battling the fires; and
(4) commends the many agencies of or established by the
Federal Government and the many State and local government
agencies that have contributed vital support functions in
response to the fires.
The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. Stearns). Pursuant to the rule, the
gentlewoman from Florida (Mrs. Fowler) and the gentleman from
Pennsylvania (Mr. Borski) each will control 20 minutes.
[[Page H5881]]
The Chair recognizes the gentlewoman from Florida (Mrs. Fowler).
Mrs. FOWLER. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
I rise today as my State and district, and the Chair's State and
district, are beginning a healing process following weeks of widespread
wild land fires and months of drought conditions. Floridians have been
dealing bravely with fires that have threatened their homes and
property as well as their own health and safety.
Months of hot and dry weather encouraged fire to spread to every
county in the State, with some of the worst fires in Flagler and
Volusia Counties which I represent. The fires devoured nearly one-half
million acres, bringing with them tremendous, searing heat.
Long after some of the most visible scars will be gone, the State
will continue to feel the effects of the wildfires. Estimates are that
it may take as many as 100 years for some of the burned acreage to
return to normal. In a single word, it was a disaster.
My purpose in rising today is to urge the passage of this resolution
thanking the thousands of fire fighters and emergency personnel from
Florida and more than 40 other States who worked around the clock in
the most dire of conditions to save the lives of Floridians. Many of
those injured in the fires were fire fighters who had left their
families and traveled long distances to lend a hand to their fellow
fire fighters in Florida.
This resolution expresses condolences to Florida citizens for losses
suffered as a result of the wildfires, a State-wide aggregate of $276
million and rising. The recovery has just begun and many forms of
assistance will continue to be available.
I want to thank the residents who helped their neighbors when entire
counties were evacuated with very little advance warning. I was very
heartened with the generosity from total strangers and businesses.
I especially would like to express gratitude to Bill and Betty Jane
France, who own the Daytona Beach International Speedway. Set to have
the first night race ever at the track, with more than 150,000 people
to attend, the Frances and Speedway president John Graham decided to
postpone the Pepsi 400 to protect the safety of the fans. Beyond that,
they turned their racetrack into a staging area for the National Guard
to respond to fires in the area, and provided temporary housing at the
track for evacuees and fire fighters in the area, giving them bedding
and meals at the track's expense.
Ernest Hemingway once said that, ``Courage is grace under pressure.''
The conditions which residents, businesses and emergency personnel
endured were more than just pressure, but courage is a good word to
describe their individual heroism and their determination.
Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
Mr. BORSKI. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
(Mr. BORSKI asked and was given permission to revise and extend his
remarks.)
Mr. BORSKI. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to join the gentlewoman from
Florida (Mrs. Fowler) in supporting this concurrent resolution.
We have all been moved by the pictures and stories of the devastation
in Florida. While wildfires may be a natural occurrence, they are not
natural to the lives of those who live and work in their path.
These first caused a great deal of suffering, property loss and
damage to the Florida economy. Yet, the people of Florida fought back
to protect themselves and their livelihoods. I want to commend my
colleagues from Florida for their interest in the struggle of those
involved, and it is most fitting that the Congress express its support
to the State of Florida and its people.
In particular, Mr. Speaker, I want to commend my colleague the
gentlewoman from Florida (Ms. Brown), who introduced this resolution,
and the gentlewoman from Florida (Mrs. Fowler), who is managing this
bill. The entire Florida delegation deserve our acknowledgment on
behalf of their efforts for Florida and in bringing this resolution to
the floor.
Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as she may consume to the gentlewoman
from Florida (Ms. Brown).
Ms. BROWN of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I want to thank my colleagues and
the great people they represent for supporting this resolution and the
people of Florida.
The State of Florida has been experiencing a terrible destruction due
to wild land fires and drought. This terrible natural disaster has
created an incredible hardship on the residents, businesses, and
disaster relief agencies and personnel in Florida.
My colleagues and I from the Florida delegation and the Task Force on
Wildfires have introduced this House Concurrent Resolution to express
our deepest condolences to the State and to the people of Florida who
have experienced financial loss and emotional pain associated with the
devastation of nearly a half million acres of land.
This resolution also expresses sincere gratitude to the fire
fighters, including the 7,000 fire fighters who came from 46 States
from around this country to help manage and put out these fires. Just
recently, the Emergency Support Transportation staff are scheduling the
return of equipment and personnel from North Dakota, Virginia,
Maryland, North Carolina, and Louisiana. I thank all of these people
who have traveled from these and other places for their tremendous
courage and spirit of patriotism.
Mr. Speaker, in tragic situations like these it is wonderful to see
the entire Nation mobilized in this way to help fellow Americans. This
resolution also thanks the numerous Federal agencies, including FEMA,
the Department of Defense, National Guard, the Department of
Transportation, AmeriCorps, and other agencies such as the Red Cross
who helped in these endeavors.
The Department of Defense sent Marines from North Carolina and other
support staff, and more than 1,500 Florida and Georgia Army National
Guard troops were activated and deployed to support fire fighter
operations. The Naval Air Station Jacksonville in my district was the
base support for the Defense Coordinating Element provided by the
Department of Defense.
The U.S. Forest Service sent more than 1,400 fire fighters as support
crew to help in this effort. The Civil Air Patrol has flown more than
23 missions in support of the fire fighting effort. And the U.S. Army
Corps of Engineers has provided 565,000 pounds of ice to the fire
fighter crews.
Mr. Speaker, these are a few of the many examples of support and
great deeds that occurred in fighting these fires. In the face of
crises, this response was very effective and helped to get these fires
under control. On behalf of the people of Florida, I thank all of these
great people and institutions for their hard work.
Mr. BORSKI. Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as she may consume to the
gentlewoman from Florida (Mrs. Thurman).
Mrs. THURMAN. Mr. Speaker, I appreciate this, and I certainly
appreciate my colleagues bringing this to the floor today. This is a
really important issue for all of us from Florida.
I, too, would like to offer my deepest appreciation to all of the men
and women who have left their families and who have risked their lives
to fight these deadly blazes.
These disastrous fires have uprooted hundreds throughout Florida. For
some of us who have visited the sites of the worst fire outbreaks, I
can tell my colleagues it is absolutely heart-wrenching. These people,
my neighbors, my constituents, never thought their lives would be
affected by a fire. One hundred ninety-three people, many of whom are
fire fighters have been injured. More than 337 homes have been
destroyed and 33 businesses have been decimated.
I hasten to think about the damage and destruction that would have
befallen Florida without the decisive action by these fire fighters.
Throughout this ordeal, in an amazing expression of unity and
compassion, 7,000 men and women from 46 States have shown the world
what it really means to care about their neighbors. And believe me, all
Floridians are appreciative.
When I was in Deland, Florida, a few weeks ago, I met with both the
fire fighters and with members of the community they were defending. I
wish I could share with my colleagues the images of not only the
anguish of these events, but also the expressions of gratitude, the joy
of knowing these men and women were defending their community against
these blazes.
[[Page H5882]]
These brave fire fighters all over the country have risked
everything, and I want to let them know that America appreciates their
courage and their diligence.
For the Floridians whose homes and business have suffered irreparable
damage, I want them to know their government will not forget about
them. We will continue to provide as much support as needed. I am
delighted Members of Congress have come together to set aside
additional resources to combat future fires.
This week the House will consider the Interior appropriations bill. I
am delighted the bill currently includes $23.5 million for cooperative
fire protection, $2 million for volunteer fire assistance, and about
$21.5 million for State fire assistance.
Again, to the men and women who have come to fight these fires, I
would like to thank them from the bottom of my heart. They have truly
made a difference in the lives of our constituents.
Mr. BORSKI. Mr. Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the gentlewoman from
Florida (Ms. Brown).
Ms. BROWN of Florida. Mr. Speaker, again, I thank my colleagues and
the great people they represent for supporting this resolution and the
people of Florida.
We in Florida will rebuild what has been destroyed and continue to
make our way in life. I think that times like this bring people
together from all walks of life, and it shows what a wonderful spirit
America has.
On behalf of the people of Florida, I thank America for their
support.
Mrs. FOWLER. Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as he may consume to the
gentleman from Florida (Mr. Stearns).
Mr. STEARNS. Mr. Speaker, I thank my colleague for yielding me this
time, and I rise today also in support of H. Con. Res. 298, of which I
am a cosponsor.
I think it is only fitting that we pass this resolution and recognize
the damage inflicted upon our home State of Florida in the fires of the
past 2 months. In doing so, of course, we also honor those who acted
valiantly against terrible odds, terrible odds, to save lives and
property.
The district I represent was also affected, although not as much as
others. Thankfully, the damage was minimal. Many towns in my district
served as a haven for the many thousands of evacuees who fled these
fires.
Palatka and Ocala residents opened their doors to over 2,000 evacuees
streaming in from nearby Flagler County and other fire-stricken areas.
I am proud to represent this district with so many fine people residing
there.
Across the State, thousands pitched in to assist the fire fighting
effort. Private contractors volunteered machinery and manpower to fight
the flames and, of course, transport water. Churches, schools, motels,
businesses, all of them opened their doors to shelter evacuees.
Donations poured in to aid the victims and help the brave emergency
workers and fire fighters.
Mr. Speaker, the outpouring of goodwill and assistance we received
came from within our State, from the Federal Government and many other
States, but even foreign countries also offered aid.
As we reflect on our ability to respond to natural disasters, we
should be prepared for future fire outbreaks. As a member of the House
Fire Services Caucus, I recognize a coordinated effort of all available
resources is necessary to successfully battle these blazes.
On June 25th, 1998, I joined with fellow Members of the Caucus at a
press conference highlighting our new task force and initiated actions
on wild land fires. We contacted Defense Secretary William Cohen,
requesting the cooperation and assistance of the Defense Department
and, of course, the U.S. National Guard, to identify assets that can be
used and made available for fire fighting purposes in the future.
This resolution commends the heroic efforts of all our fire fighters
who came from across the Nation. In this resolution we also recognize
how well local, State and Federal agencies and departments responded to
this terrible tragedy.
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Finally, Mr. Speaker, we express our sorrow that so many Floridians
experienced so much loss. As Florida begins the long, long process of
recovery, we can evaluate how we responded to these blazes. Hopefully,
in the future, we can prevent such losses.
Mr. Speaker, let us pass this resolution today and let Floridians
know that the Nation recognizes their heroism and sympathizes with
their losses.
Mrs. FOWLER. Mr. Speaker, I would just like to note that all 23
members of the Florida delegation are cosponsors of this legislation
and we are all deeply appreciative of all of the efforts that were
given to the State of Florida.
Mrs. FOWLER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today as my State and district are
beginning a healing process following weeks of widespread wildland
fires and months of drought conditions. Floridians have been dealing
bravely with fires that have threatened their homes and property as
well as their own health and safety.
Months of hot and dry weather encouraged fire to spread to every
county in the State with some of the worst fires in Flagler and Volusia
counties which I represent. The fires devoured nearly one-half million
acres, bringing with them tremendous, searing heat.
Long after some of the most visible scars will be gone, the State
will continue to feel the effects of the wildfires. Estimates are that
it may take as many as 100 years for some of the burned acreage to
return to normal. In a single word, it was a disaster.
My purpose in rising today is to urge the passage of this resolution
thanking the thousands of firefighters and emergency personnel from
Florida, and more than 40 other States, who worked around the clock in
the most dire of conditions to save the lives of Floridians. Many of
those injured in the fires were firefighters who had left their
families and traveled long distances to lend a hand to their fellow
firefighters in Florida.
The resolution expresses condolences to Florida citizens for losses
suffered as a result of the wildfires--a statewide aggregate of $276
million. The recovery has just begun and many forms of assistance will
continue to be available.
I want to thank the residents who helped their neighbors when entire
counties are evacuated with very little advance warning. I was very
heartened with the generosity from total strangers and businesses.
Pfizer, Incorporated responded quickly to my request for a donation
of eyedrops to help firefighters working in the thick smoke. Mr. Wayne
Weaver, owner of the Jacksonville Jaguars, worked with NFL Charities
and Commissioner Tagliabue to each donate $100,000 to the American Red
Cross's wildfire disaster relief efforts. Mr. Weaver is also working on
an effort to have season ticket holders donate their tickets to either
the Jaquars/Giants game or the Jaguars/Cowboys game to local
firefighters and their families. The resolution we are considering
today also gives due credit to the American Red Cross, which as always,
was on the scene to lend comfort, supplies, and advice to the thousands
of residents evacuated from their homes.
I would like to express gratitude to Bill and Betty Jane France who
own the Daytona Beach International Speedway. Set to have the first
night race ever at the track, with more than 150,000 people to attend,
the Frances and Speedway President, John Graham, decided to postpone
the Pepsi 400 to protect the safety of fans. Beyond that, they turned
their racetrack into a staging area for the National Guard to respond
to fires in the area and provided temporary housing at the track for
evacuees and firefighters in the area, giving them bedding and meals at
track's expense.
Ernest Hemingway once said that ``courage is grace under pressure.''
The conditions which residents, businesses, and emergency personnel
endured were more than just pressure, but courage is a good word to
describe their individual heroism and their determination.
Mr. MICA. Mr. Speaker, I would like to take this opportunity to
express my deepest thanks to all the firefighters who fought tirelessly
for weeks against the recent wildfires in Florida.
This summer has been a trying time for the people of Florida. The
citizens of my State have witnessed record high temperatures and a
desert-like climate. A lack of rain over the past several months has
caused the rural areas of Florida to become so dry that they are
ignited into blazing infernos with the slightest hint of flame.
The country watched on television and read in the newspapers for
weeks how my State burned at the mercy of these devastating fires.
Seminole and Volusia Counties, two of the counties in my District, were
hit hard. Businesses were lost, homes were destroyed, and natural areas
annihilated.
But the destruction in my District was no different than the
destruction throughout the rest of the State. Florida cried out with a
plea of ``Please help.''
And people from across this Nation called out resoundingly--``We're
on our way''.
[[Page H5883]]
And they came. They came from Georgia and Alaska. They came from
North Carolina and Alabama. They came from 47 States in the Union. Out
of the devastation of these fires came the tremendous courage and help
of thousands of Americans who worked valiantly throughout this tragedy.
In total approximately 7,000 firefighters risked their own lives to
save the lives and homes of the people of Florida. Fortunately out of
170 injuries that these firefighters suffered only one was serious.
Greg Born, from Alabama, suffered the worst injuries of the
firefighting effort. While in the field he was struck by a falling
tree. The weight of the tree broke his arm and fractured his neck. He
is still in a cast and neck brace.
To Greg and all the other brave souls that fought the wildfires in
Florida I say thank you, and if your States are ever in need you can
call on us. We'll be there.
To the citizens of my district who opened their homes, their helping
hands, and their hearts I say ``thank you''!
Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas. I rise today to offer my most heartfelt
sympathy to the victims of the fires that are ravaging parts of
Florida. Recent comments by the director of emergency management
services for Brevard county seem to say it all: ``This is a war.''
He sounded like a soldier whose position was about to be overrun by
enemy forces. ``We've got fronts on the north and the south.''
The destruction has already climbed into the millions. The fires have
destroyed, for example, more than $190 million of commercial timber.
Drought conditions have caused more than $135 million in damage to
crops like corn, cotton, and peanuts.
Many houses and private property have been destroyed, and thousands
of people have been displaced, or forced to temporarily relocate to
avoid the wildfires. Recently, about 40,000 residents of northeast
Florida were forced to flee in the wake of wind-swept embers as
brushfires consumed--or threatened to consume--many rural areas.
In early July alone, Volusia and Brevard counties have been
experiencing the worst of about 1,600 fires of varying sizes and
degrees of containment that raged around the State. And, just like my
home State of Texas, with no rain or lower temperatures in sight, state
officials said the situation may worsen before it gets better.
Thus, in the past month, the State of Florida has suffered from an
onslaught of drought and wild fires, leading to the destruction of
500,000 acres of land, 367 homes and 33 businesses, and the injury of
95 people, the majority of whom are firefighters.
H. Con. Res. 298 expresses Congress' deepest condolences to the State
and people of Florida for the losses suffered as a result of the wild
land fires occurring in June and July; and it expresses congressional
support to the State and people of Florida as they overcome the effects
of the fires.
This measure also commends the heroic efforts of firefighters from
across the Nation who have traveled to Florida to battle the fires, and
commends the many government agencies who have also lent their support.
It is a good piece of legislation that deserves to be supported.
Mr. Speaker I urge my colleagues to adopt H. Con. Res. 298.
Mrs. FOWLER. Mr. Speaker, I have no further speakers at this time,
and I would just strongly support the passage of this resolution.
Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.
Mr. BORSKI. Mr. Speaker, I have no further requests for time, and I
yield back the balance of my time.
The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. Bereuter). The question is on the motion
offered by the gentlewoman from Florida (Mrs. Fowler) that the House
suspend the rules and agree to the concurrent resolution, H. Con. Res.
298.
The question was taken; and (two-thirds having voted in favor
thereof) the rules were suspended and the concurrent resolution was
agreed to.
A motion to reconsider was laid on the table.
____________________