[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 130 (Wednesday, September 5, 2007)]
[House]
[Pages H10107-H10111]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




HONORING THE CITY OF MINNEAPOLIS, FIRST RESPONDERS, AND THE CITIZENS OF 
 MINNESOTA FOR THEIR VALIANT EFFORTS IN RESPONDING TO THE COLLAPSE OF 
           THE INTERSTATE ROUTE 35W MISSISSIPPI RIVER BRIDGE

  Mr. WALZ of Minnesota. Madam Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and 
agree to the resolution (H. Res. 606) honoring the city of Minneapolis, 
first responders, and the citizens of the State of Minnesota for their 
valiant efforts in responding to the horrific collapse of the 
Interstate Route 35W Mississippi River Bridge.
  The Clerk read the title of the resolution.
  The text of the resolution is as follows:

                              H. Res. 606

       Whereas the Interstate Route 35W Mississippi River Bridge 
     located in Minneapolis, Minnesota, collapsed on August 1, 
     2007, during the evening rush hour;
       Whereas Minneapolis police and fire officials have reported 
     a rising number of fatalities and injuries resulting from the 
     tragedy;
       Whereas because rescue and recovery efforts are ongoing, 
     the effect of the tragedy on the community and on Minnesota 
     families is still unfolding;
       Whereas the first emergency personnel on the scene 
     responded to the tragedy without hesitation, risking their 
     health and safety to rescue victims and to provide emergency 
     care to the injured;
       Whereas as there are questions that remain unanswered about 
     the tragedy, it is clear that the commitment and heroism 
     exhibited by first responders in the minutes and hours 
     following the tragedy saved countless lives;
       Whereas the people of Minnesota and the Nation recognize 
     that the dedication of first responders will remain steadfast 
     throughout the ongoing recovery, repair, and rebuilding 
     efforts;
       Whereas scores of ordinary people became extraordinary 
     citizens following the tragedy by rushing to the aid of their 
     fellow Minnesotans;
       Whereas the residents of Minneapolis should be commended 
     for their bravery and tireless efforts following the tragedy 
     on behalf of their neighbors and their city;
       Whereas there was an immediate outpouring of support and 
     assistance from surrounding communities following the 
     tragedy, including over 50 organizations and local units of 
     government; and
       Whereas the heartbreaking images coming out of Minneapolis 
     have captured the attention and sympathy of the Nation: Now, 
     therefore, be it
       Resolved,  That the House of Representatives--
       (1) honors the city of Minneapolis, first responders, and 
     the citizens of the State of Minnesota for their valiant 
     efforts in responding to the horrific collapse of the 
     Interstate Route 35W Mississippi River Bridge;
       (2) praises the people of Minneapolis and Minnesota for 
     their great courage in this time of crisis;
       (3) recognizes the leadership and passionate commitment of 
     the elected officials representing the people of Minneapolis, 
     Hennepin County, and the State of Minnesota;
       (4) honors the emergency responders, within and beyond 
     Minneapolis, for their bravery and sacrifice following the 
     tragedy;
       (5) extends its heartfelt sympathies to the families of all 
     those lost in the tragedy; and
       (6) reaffirms its support and commitment to all of the 
     Nation's law enforcement officers, firefighters, and 
     emergency medical technicians as they selflessly serve their 
     communities, regardless of the peril or hazard to themselves.

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to the rule, the gentleman from 
Minnesota (Mr. Walz) and the gentleman from Missouri (Mr. Graves) each 
will control 20 minutes.
  The Chair recognizes the gentleman from Minnesota.


                             General Leave

  Mr. WALZ of Minnesota. Madam Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that 
all Members may have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend 
their remarks on H. Res. 606.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there objection to the request of the 
gentleman from Minnesota?
  There was no objection.
  Mr. WALZ of Minnesota. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I 
may consume.
  I strongly support House Resolution 606, introduced by my colleague 
Congressman Ellison, my friend and fellow Minnesotan. Congressman 
Ellison represents the Fifth Congressional District of Minnesota, which 
includes the city of Minneapolis. I am grateful to Congressman Ellison 
for his work in introducing this resolution and getting it to the floor 
in a quick manner.

[[Page H10108]]

  On August 1, the Interstate 35W bridge collapsed over the Mississippi 
River. The images of that disaster are now etched in our collective 
memories in this country. We can all recall the strange and surreal 
sight of a bridge lying crumpled and broken, laying in that great 
river. And we can all recall the images of vehicles that were crushed 
by the debris as well as those like the school bus that was full of 
children that sat amongst all that disaster and carnage and its 
occupants, and thankfully, escaped unharmed.
  Unfortunately, not everyone on the I-35 bridge that Wednesday made it 
home safely. Thirteen of our fellow Minnesotans, husbands, wives, sons, 
daughters, grandchildren, grandparents, were killed in the tragedy. 
That those numbers were not higher was due in no small part to the 
hundreds of firefighters, police, emergency personnel, and ordinary 
citizens who rushed to the aid of their fellow citizens. The direct 
action of these civil servants and citizens immediately following this 
tragedy undoubtedly saved countless lives and eased suffering. Ordinary 
residents of the city of Minneapolis displayed extraordinary courage 
and compassion on August 1.
  This resolution recognizes the outstanding work and effort of the 
first responders, the city officials, and the residents of Minnesota 
for their quick and compassionate response. I am pleased to join 
Congressman Ellison and all of the Minnesota delegation in this effort, 
and I extend my gratitude to those whose dedication and duty was so 
evident on August 1.
  Madam Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

                              {time}  1330

  Mr. GRAVES. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
  Madam Speaker, I rise today in support of House Resolution 606 
introduced by Mr. Ellison of Minnesota. This resolution recognizes the 
city of Minneapolis, first responders, and the citizens of the State of 
Minnesota for their selfless actions in responding to the collapse of 
the Interstate Route 35W Mississippi River bridge.
  The first responders to the scene acted without hesitation, risking 
their safety in the dangerous conditions, to rescue the victims of this 
tragedy. This resolution honors their sacrifice in the immediate 
aftermath of the bridge collapse and their commitment to save lives, 
regardless of the peril or hazard to themselves. Additionally, this 
resolution is a fitting commendation to the people of Minneapolis for 
their heroism and compassion for their fellow citizens. I extend my 
heartfelt sympathies to those affected by this tragedy and to their 
families.
  I support the resolution and urge my colleagues to do the same.
  Madam Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
  Mr. WALZ of Minnesota. Madam Speaker, I thank my colleague from 
Missouri for the kind words and compassionate response. The 
overwhelming response from the Members of this body was truly heartfelt 
and truly put action into words in getting Minnesota and Minneapolis 
moving forward.
  At this time, Madam Speaker, I am pleased to yield 5 minutes to the 
main sponsor of this bill, the distinguished gentleman from Minnesota 
(Mr. Ellison) in responding to this disaster that occurred in his 
district.
  Mr. ELLISON. Madam Speaker, I am proud to rise on the floor today to 
speak on behalf of H. Res. 606, a resolution that honors the city of 
Minneapolis and the first responders and citizens of Minnesota for 
their valiant efforts in responding to the horrific collapse of 
Interstate 35W Mississippi River bridge.
  Madam Speaker, while we honor the city of Minneapolis, there are also 
numerous cities in the area of Minneapolis, such as New Hope, Golden 
Valley, and many, many others, all that sent their first responders to 
the aid of the victims. And each and all of these cities deserve honor 
and respect. Thank you.
  At 6:05 p.m. on August 1, 2007, Interstate 35W bridge in Minneapolis, 
Minnesota collapsed into the Mississippi River, killing 13 people and 
injuring nearly 100 people. The 13 victims were mothers, fathers, 
children, workers, good people, each and all.
  I'm honored today to stand with my colleagues from Minnesota to honor 
the work of the first responders and the entire community of Minnesota 
and the Nation for stepping up to the plate to assist our community on 
August 1 in responding to the horrific bridge collapse.
  Without any hesitation or any regard or consideration for their own 
safety, Minnesota first responders, firefighters, police, emergency 
medical personnel all rushed to the bridge collapse scene, and it is 
clear that the commitment and heroism in the minutes and hours that 
followed the tragedy saved countless lives.
  Additionally, scores of ordinary Minnesotans became good Samaritans. 
For example, Madam Speaker, Jeremy Hernandez, a 20-year-old employee of 
a Minneapolis nonprofit organization, was riding on a school bus with 
over 50 children when the bus dropped towards the Mississippi River 
gorge as the bridge collapsed. Jeremy immediately took charge and 
evacuated the bus, ensuring that all staff and children got off the bus 
safely. This is America and Minnesota at its best when ordinary 
citizens become extraordinary citizens.
  But let me conclude, Madam Speaker, by respectfully asking this 
Congress to regard this tragedy as a national call to action, to focus 
our public energy on the reconstruction of our public infrastructure.
  On August 1, we as a Nation were united in grief for the victims, and 
we were united in the recovery and healing efforts. Now let us all 
stand united in rebuilding our country's ailing public infrastructure. 
For if the Nation is a body, our infrastructure is the skeleton that 
holds it up.
  I look forward to working with Members of Congress. I thank you, 
Madam Speaker. I thank you, Mr. Walz, for your excellent energy. I also 
would be remiss if I did not commend your community, our community, and 
southern Minnesota for its own tragedy that we suffered collectively. 
And we stand with the people of southern Minnesota in solidarity and in 
brother- and sisterhood. Thank you very much.
  Mr. GRAVES. Madam Speaker, I yield 6 minutes to the gentlewoman from 
Minnesota (Mrs. Bachmann).
  Mrs. BACHMANN. Madam Speaker, I thank my dear colleague for allowing 
me this moment to address the body.
  I, too, offer my condolences and sympathy to the Members and families 
of our Minnesota community who endured one of the most horrific losses 
that anyone can imagine. When it's a beautiful, wonderful evening in 
Minnesota in August, August 1, when people are on their way to the 
Twins game and home from work, their minds are on the BBQ and what 
they're going to do when they go home, what they're going to say to 
their husband, what they're going to say to their wife, going to their 
child's T-ball game or their soccer game, those were the kind of things 
that were on the minds of Minnesotans when all of a sudden, 
inexplicably, this bridge that is the most traveled bridge in the State 
of Minnesota went down. Something no one would ever imagine could 
happen happened.
  The Saturday after the bridge collapse occurred, I had the 
opportunity to go back and meet with some of the first responders, as 
my colleagues did as well. And I think to a person we can say what we 
saw that day was nothing short of just the joy and the grief, all of 
the emotions mixed together on the faces of the firemen, faces of the 
policemen, faces of the health care professionals as well who were 
there, who saw that horror firsthand and did what we expect that they 
would do, be first responders. Seems like an ordinary thing that they 
should do their job, but it's never an ordinary thing to lay down your 
life for your fellow man. That's what a police officer does every day 
when they put on that uniform. That's what a fireman does every day 
when they put on that uniform. And that day they were called upon to do 
that duty, make that sacrifice. They did it. And I'll tell you what, I 
could not be more proud of those first responders.
  And it was wonderful, too, Madam Speaker, to see how in this body 
this wasn't a Republican or Democrat issue, this was about being human, 
this was about loving our fellow man. And I can't say enough about the 
effort of the two parties to come together and unanimously making the 
right decision, and that is, authorizing the

[[Page H10109]]

money for this bridge to get it up and built again, and then hopefully 
now appropriate that money to get it up again.
  I commend Congressman Ellison, Congressman Walz, I commend 
Congresswoman McCollum and everyone in our delegation who came together 
to get behind this bridge. But more importantly, it's the first 
responders who came together and laid down their lives.
  One of the people who did that was a constituent of mine. I just want 
to mention him a little bit. His name is Gary Babineau, 24 years old, 
lives up in Blaine. He is a construction worker. Gary was coming home 
from work that night, like most Minnesotans, thinking about what he was 
going to do. His wife is due with their first baby 2 weeks later. And 
that's what he was thinking about, that new little baby that was about 
to come 2 weeks from now, when all of a sudden he was right across from 
that yellow school bus that we all saw on the news. And Gary's truck 
was on the bridge, and he felt the bridge go down. And in a moment of 
time, his black pickup truck fell 30 feet down to the bottom. He never 
thought he would wake up again. He never thought he would open his eyes 
again, but he did. And he couldn't believe it, he could move. His back 
was severely hurt, but he could move. He got out of that truck and he 
went and he helped person after person get out of their vehicle, 
carried people to safety. And then Gary remarkably, here in the midst 
of having a severely injured back, he jumped off the bridge, got onto 
the ground, got back on the bridge, not knowing that the bridge would 
be stable, got on that bridge and went immediately to that yellow 
school bus. And he then assisted those 50 children getting off that 
bus. And as a matter of fact, it was reported in the paper it said, 
Gary Babineau said, ``I could see the whole bridge going down, and I 
was going down, too,'' he said. ``I have a baby coming in 2 weeks and 
that's all I could think about. We hit bottom, and I couldn't believe 
that I could open my eyes, I couldn't believe that I could move.''
  Gary Babineau was an ordinary man, but he became a first responder 
and he helped save lives. At the moment that he was needed he did it. 
We kind of expect that that's what Americans would do. We're just good 
people, we help each other in time of need. And here in this tragedy, 
as we have seen other tragedies that have befallen our Nation, when 
things didn't go exactly right in the recovery effort, here in 
Minnesota we saw that things were right. It happened right. And the 
reason why it happened right was because of first responders, official 
first responders, nonofficial first responders. But they did what was 
right because they acted out of love, out of a heart of love for their 
fellow man.
  So I thank those first responders, the firemen, the policemen, the 
average Joes, the Gary Babineaus in their truck. And I thank the 
Federal officials, our President, our Members of Congress. I thank the 
county officials, the city officials, the State officials. Everybody 
did what was right.
  But thank you, Congressman Ellison. This was the right resolution to 
bring forward today to honor these selfless individuals who none of us 
could live without. Thank you, first responders. I encourage my 
colleagues to give us a unanimous vote to this wonderful resolution.
  Mr. WALZ of Minnesota. Madam Speaker, we in Minnesota rarely refer to 
Minneapolis without mentioning our sister city of St. Paul, our Twin 
Cities, and we are fortunate that these two cities have excellent 
representation in their two Representatives.
  It's a real pleasure for me to yield as much time as she may consume, 
her dedication and leadership in this matter has been outstanding, and 
I give as much time as needed to Congresswoman McCollum.
  Ms. McCOLLUM of Minnesota. Congressman Walz, it would go without 
saying that the Twin Cities, my district, is doing whatever we can in 
support both with volunteers, with thoughts, with prayers, and with 
anything that would come forward in a special session to support the 
tragedy that has taken place in southern Minnesota. And much of what we 
can say about our first responders we can also say about the first 
responders in your district.
  Madam Speaker, it has been just over a month since we saw the 
unthinkable happen in Minneapolis; the collapse of the I-35W bridge 
into the Mississippi River shocked our Nation. For Minnesotans, it was 
only the beginning of an ordeal that we will never forget.
  In the hours and days that followed, we waited quietly for the word 
of missing loved ones. We watched anxiously as skilled Navy and FBI 
divers searched the treacherous wreckage and felt our hearts grow heavy 
again when we heard the news of each recovered victim. A month later, 
we continue to grieve for the 13 who lost their lives that evening, six 
of them my constituents.
  Our prayers are with the survivors, whose deep physical and emotional 
injuries have yet to heal. But along with the twisted metal and sunken 
concrete, the aftermath of the bridge collapse also brought us the 
unforgettable images of courage and hope. The off-duty firefighter, 
without any diving gear, going under the water again and again to 
search cars for trapped victims; the bus driver, counselors, and others 
on the bridge who threw open the emergency exit of a yellow school bus 
and made sure that all 61 of the children got to safety.
  The bridge's collapse may have shocked the Nation, but the response 
of Minnesota's emergency personnel, public servants and ordinary 
citizens awed and inspired the Nation. Again and again my colleagues in 
Congress have approached me to express their amazement at the 
compassion and strength of our community.
  Madam Speaker, this resolution honors the courage and selflessness of 
all Minnesotans involved in this disaster. It honors the first 
responders who rushed to the scene evacuating scores of victims and 
saving countless lives. It honors the medical personnel who worked and 
still work tirelessly to heal the injured. It honors the local and 
national recovery teams who carried out the excruciating and difficult 
search of the wreckage and bringing closure to the family and friends 
of the victims. It honors ordinary Minnesotans who were at every step 
of the way, from those who dove into the water to save lives 
immediately after the collapse to those who continue to offer time, 
material support, emotional comfort for grieving families today.
  Our recovery effort is not over yet. The Twin Cities community will 
feel the consequences of the bridge's collapse for years to come. As we 
turn to the task of adjusting our daily commutes and planning to 
rebuild the bridge, we must also begin to repair and rebuild the other 
bridges and infrastructure in Minnesota that are in danger. We also 
must work to rebuild the infrastructure across this Nation.
  This resolution honors the strength, the sympathy, the steadfastness 
of the people of Minnesota that we saw so clearly in the wake of this 
tragedy. And I have faith that these same courageous qualities will see 
us through the challenges ahead.
  Mr. GRAVES. Madam Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the gentleman from 
Minnesota, Congressman Kline.

                              {time}  1345

  Mr. KLINE of Minnesota. I thank the gentleman for yielding.
  Madam Speaker, it is with great pride that I rise today in support of 
H. Res. 606 to honor all of those who so bravely risked their lives in 
the face of this catastrophe. I had the privilege of meeting with many 
of the first responders, volunteer organizations, local and State 
officials in my tours of the site of the collapse.
  The first emergency personnel on the scene responded to the tragedy 
without hesitation, as has been discussed by my colleagues here today. 
They risked their health and safety to rescue victims and to provide 
emergency care to the injured. Scores of ordinary people did, indeed, 
become extraordinary citizens following the tragedy by rushing to the 
aid of their fellow Minnesotans. The outpouring of support and 
assistance from surrounding communities, including more than 50 
volunteer organizations, was tremendous. Throughout the rescue and 
recovery mission, there have been countless stories of the generosity 
by the citizens of Minnesota. From organizing blood drives to caring 
for the needs of the bridge recovery workers, Minnesotans continue to 
go above and beyond the call of duty. In a

[[Page H10110]]

time of sadness and sorrow for so many, we remain thankful for the true 
kindness and compassion of Minnesotans.
  Madam Speaker, I would like to take just a minute here to discuss, as 
some of my colleagues have alluded to, another catastrophe which struck 
the State of Minnesota in Mr. Walz's district. My family has a farm 
down in Houston, Minnesota, in the very southeastern tip, and I spent 3 
days there at the end of the August break. It is distressing. It is an 
awesome power that we saw when those creeks and rivers flooded and the 
destruction is immense. Again, it is not just the first responders in 
Minneapolis and the surrounding communities, but I am sure that my 
friend and colleague from the First District, Mr. Walz, can attest to 
the fact that first responders throughout the State came to the aid of 
those in southeast Minnesota.
  So, Madam Speaker, as always, we are mindful of the lives that were 
lost in both tragedies and our thoughts and prayers continue to be with 
the victims and their families and with all Minnesotans as we recover 
and rebuild.
  I want to thank the gentleman, my colleague, Mr. Ellison, for 
offering this legislation and bringing it forward and Mr. Walz for his 
leadership.
  Mr. WALZ of Minnesota. Madam Speaker, I reserve the balance of my 
time.
  Mr. GRAVES. Madam Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support this very 
fitting resolution, and I yield back the balance of my time.
  Mr. WALZ of Minnesota. Madam Speaker, first of all, to my colleague 
from Missouri, I thank him so much for helping manage on this. The 
poignant comments made by my fellow Minnesotans was heartfelt and I 
think put best maybe by Representative Bachmann that this issue truly 
brought us together. I want to send a special thank-you to this entire 
body for the response that was given to the people of Minnesota in 
light of this tragedy.
  As we speak, the dean of our delegation, Chairman Oberstar, is 
holding hearings on this very issue of bridges across America to make 
sure we don't have a repeat of this incident and understand everything 
that we can do to hopefully prevent this type of tragedy. He is meeting 
with Secretary of Transportation Peters and the mayor of Minneapolis, 
Mayor Rybak, is in town talking on this very issue.
  So it is appropriate that we honor those that sacrificed and gave so 
much in light of this tragedy and it is appropriate that we move 
forward to prevent it in the future.
  I also thank my colleague and friend from Minnesota (Mr. Kline) for 
his kind words. He is very familiar with my district. His family has 
roots there. He has a farm there. He knows firsthand the devastation 
that was wrought on those counties. We lost seven of our fellow 
Minnesotans. We had seven counties that are national disasters. The 
response has been fantastic from both State, local and Federal 
officials. When you get 17 inches of rain in 24 hours, it brings great 
tragedy.
  President Bush was kind enough and showed leadership in coming to 
Minnesota, promising a quick response and delivered. He also made a 
comment and made sure that one of our towns that was virtually 
destroyed, Rushford, Minnesota, needed to get back defending their 
State football championship. I am glad to report that they won Friday 
night, quite convincingly.
  This disaster and the response from it, the silver lining of this is 
the great human qualities of compassion, courage, selfless service were 
shown by our first responders and everyone involved. It is a pleasure 
for me to put my name to a piece of legislation like this.
  I thank and urge my colleagues to vote unanimously for H. Res. 606.
  Mr. RAMSTAD. Madam Speaker, I rise in strong support of this 
resolution honoring the city of Minneapolis, first responders and 
Minnesota citizens for their heroic efforts following the I-35W bridge 
collapse.
  No Minnesotan will ever forget August 1, 2007, the day the 8-lane 
bridge collapsed into the Mississippi River.
  No Minnesotan will forget the tragic loss of 13 people, the serious 
injuries and incredible devastation caused by the falling bridge.
  And Minnesotans will never forget the countless acts of heroism they 
witnessed that day from first responders and concerned bystanders that 
ignored danger and rushed to help victims.
  In spite of the devastation, chaos and confusion, there was a highly 
organized response from Minnesota officials, firefighters, law 
enforcement and EMS personnel, the Minnesota National Guard, the Twin 
Cities Red Cross, local hospitals and the individuals, charities and 
businesses that donated time, money and goods. It made me proud to be a 
Minnesotan.
  America also witnessed an incredible story in the midst of that 
terrible disaster--the school bus on the collapsed bridge filled with 
children who miraculously survived the ordeal.
  Our deepest gratitude goes to every person who responded to this 
disaster, saving lives, caring for the injured and comforting victims 
and their families.
  A special thanks to Governor Pawlenty for his great leadership, as 
well as Hennepin County Sheriff Rich Stanek, Minneapolis Mayor R. T. 
Rybak, the author of this resolution, Representative Keith Ellison, and 
the dean of our Minnesota Congressional delegation, Jim Oberstar, for 
his leadership in moving bridge funding legislation last month.
  Madam Speaker, I ask all my colleagues to support this resolution 
honoring the people who responded so bravely to the Minnesota bridge 
collapse.
  Mr. OBERSTAR. Madam Speaker, I rise in strong support of H. Res. 606, 
introduced by my colleague from Minnesota (Mr. Ellison). I extend my 
gratitude for his work to introduce this resolution and bring it forth 
for consideration on the House floor.
  On August 1, 2007, at 6:05 p.m., during the evening rush hour, the 
bridge on Interstate 35 W spanning the Mississippi River suddenly 
collapsed. The eight-lane, steel truss bridge span carried 
approximately 140,000 vehicles each day. This horrific catastrophe 
claimed the lives of 13 people; 123 other individuals were injured.
  Visions of this tragedy and the destruction left in the wake of the 
bridge collapse remain etched in our memories. Yet the scenes of the 
damage have been softened by the touching images of the hundreds of 
fire fighters, police officers, including the University of Minnesota 
police, and emergency response personnel that rushed to aid their 
fellow citizens. The direct actions of these civil servants and 
citizens immediately following this tragedy are examples of 
extraordinary courage.
  The brave men and women who were first on the scene, and remained 
working around the clock after the collapse, helped to minimize the 
toll of this tragedy and undoubtedly saved lives. The aftermath of the 
collapse has also been made easier to bear with the help from over 50 
organizations and local governments and a national outpouring of 
sympathy and prayers.
  A few months ago, the people of Minnesota suffered a different kind 
of catastrophe: a raging forest fire. The blaze began on May 5, 2007, 
in the Gunflint Trail area in far northeastern Minnesota, roared across 
the Canadian border, and then returned to Minnesota to devastate my 
district. It consumed nearly 76,000 acres and destroyed 140 structures. 
Many first responders heeded the call to this fire. The dedicated men 
and women of the Gunflint Trail Volunteer Fire Department were among 
the first to arrive on the scene, followed by firefighters and fire 
departments from across the region. In all, over 1,000 personnel 
assisted in fighting this blaze. No lives were lost, there were only 11 
minor injuries, and 759 structures were saved thanks to the efforts of 
these responders.
  The responses to these disasters are just two examples of the 
countless selfless acts that our Nation's first responders carry out 
every day simply by doing their job. Twenty-four hours a day, every day 
of the year, all over this country, when any type of tragedy enters our 
lives, from a medical emergency facing a neighbor to a large-scale 
natural disaster, terrorist attack, or other incident, our Nation's 
emergency responders are the first on the scene to provide professional 
services, expert help, aid and comfort. These well-trained, highly-
skilled individuals are truly on the front lines in preparing for, 
responding to, and mitigating damages from a variety of hazards.
  Across the country, the millions of men and women who serve this 
nation as police officers, firefighters, and emergency medical 
personnel, including those in Minnesota, place themselves in great 
danger every day in order to protect each one of us. They deserve our 
deepest thanks and respect.
  I stand with Congressman Ellison in recognizing the outstanding work 
and effort of the first responders in response to the tragic bridge 
collapse in Minnesota and laud their unflinching dedication to duty. 
While we can never adequately express our gratitude to the brave men 
and women, this resolution is a fitting tribute.
  I strongly support this resolution and urge its passage.
  Mr. PETERSON of Minnesota. Madam Speaker, I rise today to commend the 
good people of Minnesota who have banded together to begin the healing 
process. When

[[Page H10111]]

that bridge fell on August 1st, every citizen of my state felt the 
grief and the pain together. It has certainly been a difficult month 
for everyone, but I am so proud of the first responders, of the 
volunteers, and of my colleagues here in the House. I'd like to give a 
special thanks to Chairman Oberstar, for acting so quickly. He has 
represented the State of Minnesota, and the House very well. I'd also 
like to say that Representative Ellison has done a remarkable job in 
representing his district during these trying times.
  It is a shame that it sometimes takes the worst events to bring out 
the best in people, but I am so proud of the wonderful actions 
Minnesotans have taken to help the victims of the I-35W Bridge. I think 
the people involved in the recovery actions have truly demonstrated the 
incredible character of Minnesota's citizens.
  Nothing can replace what was lost on August 1st. No amount of money 
will do that. Neither will a new bridge. But the strength of the 
community has shown through during this long road to healing. Thank you 
Representative Ellison, thank you to the members of the Minnesota 
Delegation and thank you to all my colleagues who have helped support 
the citizens of my State.
  Mr. WALZ of Minnesota. Madam Speaker, I yield back the balance of my 
time.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The question is on the motion offered by the 
gentleman from Minnesota (Mr. Walz) that the House suspend the rules 
and agree to the resolution, H. Res. 606.
  The question was taken; and (two-thirds being in the affirmative) the 
rules were suspended and the resolution was agreed to.
  A motion to reconsider was laid on the table.

                          ____________________