[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]




                              {time}  1515
 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.

                              {time}  1530

  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.

                          ____________________