[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 132 (Friday, September 7, 2007)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1831]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




EXPRESSING SYMPATHY AND PLEDGING SUPPORT FOR VICTIMS OF SEVERE FLOODING 
                           IN EASTERN KANSAS

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                          HON. NANCY E. BOYDA

                               of kansas

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, September 5, 2007

  Mrs. BOYDA of Kansas. Madam Speaker, on June 26th, rains began to 
fall in eastern Kansas, and they barely paused for the next 3 days. 
Storms dumped as much as 21 inches of rain in some places, triggering 
floods that washed over dozens of counties.
  When the rains finally stopped, I joined Mr. Moore, Mr. Tiahrt, Mr. 
Moran, and our governor, Kathleen Sebelius, to tour the flood-damaged 
regions. We saw heartbreaking sights: homes covered in water, streets 
rendered inaccessible by floods, and the populations of whole towns 
camping in middle schools. We also saw countless acts of kindness, from 
the very large to the very small. Friends and neighbors gave generously 
of their time, their shelter, their food, and their hearts. As 
devastating as the floods were, they brought out the very best in 
Kansans.
  I'm pleased that the House is pausing today to reflect upon what 
we've lost and to honor the hard work of rebuilding Kansas. Votes such 
as this are sometimes called ``symbolic,'' but that is not the same 
thing as ``meaningless.'' To the Americans who have heard little news 
from Kansas since the flood waters receded, this vote serves as notice 
that we're rebuilding, stronger than ever before. And to the thousands 
of Kansans who lost everything, it is a show of support from their 
community and their country.
  Today, 2 months after the rain stopped, eastern Kansas is well on its 
way to recovery. For that, we owe our deepest thanks to our friends and 
neighbors, to the emergency personnel who worked so tirelessly for so 
long, and to FEMA for its helping hand. You've shown us how to meet a 
disaster with courage and compassion, and you've shown America the very 
best of Kansas.

                          ____________________