[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 131 (Thursday, September 6, 2007)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1817]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                          PERSONAL EXPLANATION

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                     HON. STEPHANIE HERSETH SANDLIN

                            of south dakota

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, September 6, 2007

  Ms. HERSETH SANDLIN. Madam Speaker, I regret that I was unable to 
participate In three votes on the floor of the House of Representatives 
on the afternoon of September 5, 2007. I was absent in order to be 
present for the return to the United States Senate of my friend and 
colleague from South Dakota, Senator Tim Johnson, who has been 
recovering from an incapacitating brain injury.
  As noted, I was not present for three votes:
  The first vote was H. Res. 629, extending the condolences and 
sympathy of the House of Representatives to the Government and the 
people of Greece for the grave loss of life and vast destruction caused 
by the devastating fires raging through Greece since June 2007. Had I 
been present, I would have voted ``yea'' on that question.
  The second vote was H. Res. 508, recognizing the strong security 
alliance between the Government of Japan and the United States and 
expressing appreciation to Japan for its role in enhancing stability in 
the Asia-Pacific region and its efforts in the global war against 
terrorism. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yea'' on that 
question.
  The third vote was H. Res. 544, expressing the sympathy and pledging 
the support of the House of Representatives and the people of the 
United States for the victims of the devastating thunderstorms that 
caused severe flooding in 20 counties in eastern Kansas beginning on 
June 26, 2007. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yea'' on that 
question.

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