[Congressional Record Volume 146, Number 62 (Thursday, May 18, 2000)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E762]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                          THE NEW MEXICO FIRES

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. JOE SKEEN

                             of new mexico

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, May 18, 2000

  Mr. SKEEN. Mr. Speaker, as most of you know New Mexico has had a 
series of terrible fires sweeping throughout forests in the past few 
weeks. My good friends and Members of Congress from New Mexico, Heather 
Wilson and Tom Udall, have done an excellent job of informing us of the 
impact the Los Alamos fire has had on the citizens of northern New 
Mexico. As the fires continue to burn, we hear stories that make the 
New Mexico Congressional delegation proud and honored to represent and 
serve the citizens of the Land of Enchantment. In the days and weeks to 
come, many stories will surface regarding the efforts of the citizens 
of New Mexico and we will be relaying them to our good friends in the 
U.S. Congress.
  Today I'd like to talk about the United States Post Office and the 
work and sacrifice they made to help keep our New Mexico communities 
together. Following the evacuation of Los Alamos and the surrounding 
area, thousands of residents were displaced to shelters, hotels, motels 
and homes across northern New Mexico. They were separated from their 
neighbors, their friends, their pastors and priests. They were 
separated from their children's teachers, coaches, scout leaders and 
den moms. They did not know what they would find when they would be 
allowed to return home.
  However, something wonderful happened. Congress was not involved, an 
Executive Order was not issued, and no declaration was made by a public 
official. Instead, the United States Post Office decided to begin 
operating an outdoor Post Office where these refugees from the fire 
could come each day and collect their mail. They could meet their 
neighbors, their friends, their ministers, and the countless numbers 
who had been displaced. They could share information, they could 
console those who have lost their homes and they could provide support 
to each other. This temporary outdoor Post Office became the heart and 
soul of a city in exile.
  Each day the Postal Service Letter Carriers, their supervisors, the 
window clerks and the leadership of the US Postal Service stepped up to 
the plate for New Mexico. I think all the citizens of New Mexico 
support me when I say thanks to the United States Postal Service for 
insuring that the mail got through and thank you for your help in 
holding a community together.

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