[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 114 (Tuesday, September 13, 2005)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1835]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




    EXPRESSING CONDOLENCES OF NATION TO VICTIMS OF HURRICANE KATRINA

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                          HON. JOHN S. TANNER

                              of tennessee

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, September 7, 2005

  Mr. TANNER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to speak about the tragedy that 
has resulted from Hurricane Katrina. Like our colleagues and so many 
Americans, I watched with sadness as this massive storm approached the 
coast and threatened to wreak unprecedented destruction on anything 
that stood in its path.
  Over the hours that followed, we learned that entire communities 
along the Gulf of Mexico coast had literally been devastated, homes and 
businesses had been destroyed, churches and schools were in ruins, and 
floodwaters continued to rise in New Orleans. While the physical damage 
was restricted to the Gulf Coast region itself, we all recognized 
immediately that Hurricane Katrina was a national catastrophe that 
would touch millions and have long-term effects on us all.
  The people of Louisiana, Mississippi and Alabama need strong 
leadership in Washington right now. The Federal Government can and will 
stand strong to do all we can until the flood waters recede, homes are 
rebuilt, families and communities are reunited and normalcy returns. 
However, it will require the time and efforts of us all.
  The American people have responded with overwhelming generosity. 
Citizens from Tennessee and elsewhere across the country have donated 
their time, goods and money to help in every possible way with the 
relief effort. Many communities in our State have shown again how we 
earned our nickname ``The Volunteer State,'' and I know many other 
communities have also proven their kindness, welcoming with open arms 
those who have literally lost everything and been forced from their 
homes. There are countless stories of families, churches and schools 
opening their doors and taking in these newly found homeless. I am 
proud of my fellow Tennesseans and our fellow Americans in showing such 
support for those who need help.
  Our Nation continues to face unprecedented threats on physical, 
emotional and economic fronts, and we will fight those battles 
together. Federal, State and local officials, private industry and 
charitable organizations must work together to fight these battles and 
start the process of rebuilding our communities, and I hope our Nation 
will be stronger. Mr. Speaker, we have watched a terrible disaster 
unfold, but I am certain Americans will stand together and meet these 
challenges with the American spirit that has helped us through so many 
tough times before.

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