[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 171 (Tuesday, November 6, 2007)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2330]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




    HONORING THE FIRST RESPONDERS AND SUPPORTING THE VICTIMS OF THE 
                     SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA WILDFIRES

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                          HON. HENRY A. WAXMAN

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, October 30, 2007

  Mr. WAXMAN. Mr. Speaker, over the course of just one week, my home 
State of California has witnessed the most destructive and expansive 
wildfires in its history. Across southern California, more than a dozen 
large fires fueled by powerful Santa Ana winds burned over 500,000 
acres. The flames engulfed forests, homes and businesses alike. In my 
congressional district, the city of Malibu lost homes, a community 
church, and Castle Kashan, an iconic landmark on the California coast.
  As these fires raged, thousands of courageous firefighters risked 
their lives to battle the flames, tirelessly working shift after shift 
in grueling conditions. Hundreds of volunteers donated money, 
resources, and time to help the nearly 1 million Californians evacuated 
at the height of the crisis. Officials at all levels of government 
acted swiftly to coordinate a rapid response. While we grieve for the 
hundreds of families who have been devastated, we must be thankful that 
even greater losses were averted.
  The damage caused by the fires is staggering in its scope and 
heartbreaking in its impact on those who must start over from scratch. 
But Californians are resilient and determined to restore their 
communities and rebuild their lives. Today we stand in solidarity as we 
consider H. Res. 778, a resolution honoring the first responders and 
supporting the victims of the southern California wildfires. This 
resolution sends an important message to all Californians that the 
Nation is with them, and that Congress stands prepared to provide the 
assistance they need.

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