[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 22 (Tuesday, February 6, 2007)]
[House]
[Page H1215]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 CONGRESSIONAL INACTION JEOPARDIZES HOOD RIVER COUNTY SEARCH AND RESCUE

  (Mr. WALDEN of Oregon asked and was given permission to address the 
House for 1 minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)
  Mr. WALDEN of Oregon. Mr. Speaker, the failure of Congress to 
reauthorize the Secure Rural Schools and Community Self-Determination 
Act amounts to a breach of faith to the almost 600 forested counties 
across America and 4,400 school districts.
  Hood River County, Oregon, is my home and hosts two of Oregon's 
icons: Mount Hood and the powerful Columbia River, both attractions for 
outdoor recreation and the dangers that come with it. Surely you 
remember the December search for the mountain climbers lost on Mount 
Hood? This event unfolded just miles from my home.
  The county paid for this rescue and recovery effort entirely with 
county payment funds. This included the airplanes, snowcats and 
equipment for volunteers, radios and medical supplies.
  County Sheriff Joe Vampler says, ``We will do search and rescue on 
Federal lands and waterways no matter what but the Nation must share 
this cost.''
  County payments also fund many other vital services like the County 
Health Department's vaccination program for children.
  County Commission Chair Ron Rivers says, ``The loss of these funds 
will have a significant impact on all services, including those 
provided to protect our most vulnerable citizens.''
  Congress must keep the Federal Government's word to timbered 
communities and pass H.R. 17. Time is running out.

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