[Congressional Record Volume 146, Number 67 (Thursday, May 25, 2000)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E862]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


                   THE CERRO GRANDE COMPENSATION ACT

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                             HON. TOM UDALL

                             of new mexico

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, May 25, 2000

  Mr. UDALL of New Mexico. Mr. Speaker, twenty-one days ago the 
National Park Service in the Bandelier National Monument initiated a 
prescribed burn located near Los Alamos, New Mexico. Despite adverse 
and unpredictable weather conditions, the Park Service elected to 
ignite this fire.
  As all of you are aware, control of that fire was quickly lost 
resulting in the destruction of over 200 homes and over 44,000 acres of 
land. Although now under control, the fire continues to burn today.
  The legislation titled ``The Cerro Grande Compensation Act'' would 
expeditiously compensate those individuals who have suffered losses as 
a direct result of this fire. Specifically, this bill would compensate 
individuals, businesses, homes, public buildings, and Native American 
tribes for personal injuries and property losses sustained as a result 
of this tragedy.
  This legislation is only a first step in an attempt to make these 
victims whole again. Particularly those who lost everything in the fire 
and have a long road ahead after recovering from their losses.
  I will continue to work with the New Mexico delegation and the 
Clinton Administration to see that a plan is quickly put in place to 
compensate the victims of the Cerro Grande fire.
  Through this painful experience I am confident that we as Members of 
Congress and the Federal Government will continue to show compassion 
and understanding to those who have been affected by this disaster, and 
do everything we can to make them whole.

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