[Congressional Record Volume 154, Number 24 (Wednesday, February 13, 2008)]
[House]
[Pages H919-H922]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[[Page H919]]
                              {time}  1800
EXPRESSING SYMPATHIES AND SUPPORT FOR THE INDIVIDUALS AND INSTITUTIONS 
 AFFECTED BY THE POWERFUL TORNADOS THAT STRUCK CERTAIN COMMUNITIES ON 
                            FEBRUARY 5, 2008

  Mr. COHEN. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to the 
resolution (H. Res. 971) expressing the sympathies and support of the 
House of Representatives for the individuals and institutions affected 
by the powerful tornados that struck communities in Alabama, Arkansas, 
Kentucky, Mississippi, and Tennessee on February 5, 2008.
  The Clerk read the title of the resolution.
  The text of the resolution is as follows:

                              H. Res. 971

       Whereas on the evening of Tuesday, February 5th, 2008, more 
     than 100 tornados devastated communities in Alabama, 
     Arkansas, Kentucky, Mississippi, and Tennessee;
       Whereas more than 50 lives were lost in the deadliest 
     tornado outbreak in the United States in more than 20 years;
       Whereas more than a thousand homes, schools, and businesses 
     were destroyed and tens of thousands of residents of the 
     Mississippi Valley have been left without power;
       Whereas the effect of the storms on Mississippi Valley 
     families and businesses is still being felt;
       Whereas hundreds of volunteers took time from their daily 
     lives to help ensure that the victims of the storm are 
     sheltered, clothed, fed, and emotionally comforted through 
     this traumatic event;
       Whereas the Federal Emergency Management Agency, first 
     responders, the National Guard, and additional emergency 
     personnel have coordinated with local authorities and 
     firefighters and have performed beyond the call of duty in 
     the preservation and protection of human lives; and
       Whereas the strength, courage, and determination of the 
     citizens of the Mississippi Valley have been evident 
     following the tornados: Now, therefore, be it
       Resolved, That the House of Representatives--
       (1) expresses its deepest sympathies to the citizens of the 
     States hit by the storms over the devastation caused by the 
     powerful tornados that struck their communities on February 
     5th, 2008;
       (2) expresses its appreciation to the Federal Emergency 
     Management Agency, first responders, and the others involved 
     in the relief effort for their valiant service to those 
     affected by the storms; and
       (3) expresses its support as the citizens of these 
     communities continue their efforts to rebuild their community 
     and their lives.

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to the rule, the gentleman from 
Tennessee (Mr. Cohen) and the gentlewoman from Oklahoma (Ms. Fallin) 
each will control 20 minutes.
  The Chair recognizes the gentleman from Tennessee.


                             General Leave

  Mr. COHEN. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may 
have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks and 
include extraneous material on House Resolution 971.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there objection to the request of the 
gentleman from Tennessee?
  There was no objection.
  Mr. COHEN. Mr. Speaker, if it's appropriate, normally I would yield 
myself time now, but I would like to yield some time on the front end 
to Mr. Tanner from Tennessee because he has to be somewhere. So with 
the indulgence of the other side, I would like to first yield to Mr. 
Tanner for remarks.
  Mr. TANNER. Mr. Cohen, I do appreciate this courtesy, and I thank the 
gentlelady from Oklahoma for allowing me to go ahead and speak.
  Mr. Speaker, I want to commend the Federal response to the tornados 
that occurred in Tennessee. I left here early last week and went down 
to my district in west and middle Tennessee to view, with the Governor 
of our State and others, the tremendous damage that was done, the loss 
of life that occurred. And I want to say that the Secretary of Homeland 
Security and the Director of FEMA were there as I got there last 
Thursday morning.
  And as we toured in Tennessee, most of the damage that we saw 
occurred near Jackson, Tennessee, where our daughter, our two 
grandchildren and son-in-law live, at a place called Union University. 
President David Dockery met us there that Thursday morning, and I can 
only describe the devastation to Union, the dorms and so on as 
horrendous; and also conclude that it was a miracle that there was no 
more bodily injury or loss of life than occurred at Union.
  But the other thing, other than the Secretary and the Director of 
FEMA being there was, in the aftermath of these tragedies like we've 
seen, and this is the fourth tornado that has basically hit Jackson, 
Madison County, Tennessee since 1999, the outpouring of help from 
friends, neighbors and others there gives one a great sense of resolve 
and gives one the magnanimous feeling of the human spirit rising out of 
the ashes of these tremendous natural disasters.
  Let me just make the observation that we appreciate the quick 
response of the Federal Government, the State government, all of the 
FEMA people there, but particularly to the friends, neighbors and my 
constituents, of those who were injured, who lost everything, their 
houses gone, it is truly a blessing to see people come together, even 
under tragic circumstances.
  I want to commend Mr. Cohen for bringing this. It hit Memphis, also, 
as well as middle Tennessee and the other States. But let me just 
simply add my congratulations to those who brought this resolution, and 
my thanks to those for the recognition of so many who are doing so much 
at this time to help those who have suffered so much.
  Mr. COHEN. Mr. Speaker, if I may go on with my remarks.
  I rise to support House Resolution 971, which is a resolution to 
express sympathy and support for the individuals and institutions 
affected by the powerful tornados that swept through the Southeastern 
Conference States of Alabama, Arkansas, Mississippi, Kentucky and 
Tennessee just over 2 weeks ago.
  Over 100 tornados landed, they killed over 50 people, destroyed 
hundreds of homes, schools and businesses, and left thousands of people 
without power. In true American spirit and resolve, hundreds of 
volunteers cared for the victims and provided shelter, food and 
clothing.
  I express my heartfelt sympathy to all of our fellow citizens in the 
wake of Mother Nature's wrath, and to commend the men and women who 
serve this Nation as first responders, police officers, firefighters 
and emergency medical personnel who place themselves in great danger 
every day but did on this day as well to protect us and the people that 
were in harm's way. Our neighbors and friends deserve our sympathy and 
prayers, and the first responders deserve our deepest thanks and 
respect.
  On the occasion of the day after the tornados, Congresswoman 
Blackburn joined me in Memphis, and we toured around Hickory Hills and 
met with some individuals, the mayors of Wharton and Harrington and 
other city officials in Memphis to make sure that the proper procedures 
were followed.
  I talked to the FEMA Director, Mr. Paulison, and he assured me, and 
he's followed through on his promise that FEMA would do all they could 
to help the residents in Tennessee and in the other States as well.
  I would like to commend President Bush for his quick response. He 
responded to Governor Bredeson's request to have Tennessee and other 
areas declared disaster areas, and that was done. And FEMA is on the 
ground, already issuing checks and helping people.
  We've seen a great response from the Federal Government when it was 
needed, and we're looking for more response, which we're working on 
now, to provide to our people throughout that district.
  I appreciate the gentlelady from Oklahoma (Ms. Fallin) indulging me 
and allowing Mr. Tanner to speak and make his important appointment.
  Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
  Ms. FALLIN. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
  I rise today in support of House Resolution 971, introduced by Mr. 
Gordon of Tennessee. The resolution expresses the heartfelt sympathy of 
the House of Representatives for the victims of the devastating 
tornados that struck communities in the States of Alabama, Arkansas, 
Kentucky, Mississippi and Tennessee.
  On February 5, 2008, more than 100 tornados devastated communities 
throughout the Mississippi Valley, resulting in the deadliest tornado 
outbreak in the United States in 20 years.

[[Page H920]]

The tornados took the lives of 50 people, injured countless others, and 
damaged or destroyed more than 1,000 homes. Additionally, the tornados 
have left tens of thousands of residents in the Mississippi Valley 
without power.
  In response to these deadly tornados, local, State and Federal 
officials and emergency personnel responded swiftly to preserve and 
protect human lives. Their selfless actions saved lives and helped 
their communities in their efforts to recover from the disaster.
  This resolution is a fitting commendation of the courage and 
determination of local citizens, businesses and volunteer organizations 
following the disaster. They have shown their heroism and compassion 
for their fellow citizens while faced with such destruction.
  The citizens of the States of Alabama, Arkansas, Kentucky, 
Mississippi and Tennessee will work hard to rebuild and to make every 
effort to ensure the recovery of their communities. In recognition of 
their efforts, this resolution reaffirms our support as they continue 
to rebuild their homes and their lives.
  Mr. Speaker, I'd like to extend my heartfelt sympathy and my prayers 
to all those who have been affected by this tragedy and to their 
families. I support this resolution and urge my colleagues to do the 
same.
  Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
  Mr. COHEN. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time to close.
  Ms. FALLIN. Mr. Speaker, I yield as much time as she may consume to 
the gentlewoman from Tennessee (Mrs. Blackburn).
  Mrs. BLACKBURN. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of House Resolution 
971, and appreciate the efforts of Mr. Gordon to bring the resolution 
forward.
  Mr. Speaker, my colleagues have spoken about being on the ground and 
seeing firsthand the devastation and, of course, Congressman Tanner, 
Congressman Cohen and I all have counties that were affected by this.
  We had nine counties that saw devastation and destruction with the 
impact of this EF-4 tornado. We had Shelby County, Fayette, McNairy, 
Hardin, Hickman, Perry, Wayne, Williamson, Montgomery County. Each saw 
devastation, destruction of property and loss of life.
  Mr. Speaker, indeed, we extend our condolences to those families who 
have lost their lives, and to their loved ones who have seen that loss 
of life. And we also extend our condolences to those families who have 
lost their livelihood because, indeed, as has been stated, the 
destruction is unimaginable.
  I have a poster right here from Sunday afternoon when we were in 
Hardin County at Sharon Baptist Church, which was a wonderful church 
and school. It was completely obliterated. All six buildings on the 
campus of that church were obliterated.
  And while you see the destruction that is just unimaginable, what you 
also see is the rising of the human spirit and neighbors who are 
reaching out to help. I asked Dr. Spencer, who pastors that church, 
what next? How do they move forward? Because they had nothing left. 
They had a hymnal that was found two counties over, but other than 
that, nothing left.
  And he said, well, tomorrow morning we start to rebuild. And tomorrow 
morning we're going to be pulling out the scrap metal, and we're going 
to be moving the rubble to the street. And tomorrow morning is a new 
day. And that is the spirit that we see of individuals pitching in, 
neighbors coming to help.
  Now they've also been so well supported by FEMA, by Director 
Paulison, by TEMA, and the team that is on the ground, by our State and 
local elected officials who didn't sit around and wait for someone to 
say they're coming to take care of it. They took action and said, we're 
going to get this done. It has been a wonderful testament to the 
volunteer spirit of our great State of Tennessee.
  I commend all of those who have served, who have shown up to help and 
again extend my condolences to those who have lost family members and 
have lost the means of their livelihood.
  Mr. COHEN. Mr. Speaker, I yield as much time as the gentleman from 
Pall Mall, Tennessee (Mr. Lincoln Davis) needs.
  Mr. LINCOLN DAVIS of Tennessee. I thank the gentleman from Memphis, 
and deeply appreciate your management today of this resolution that we 
are discussing here on the U.S. House floor.
  The tornados and storms and winds that recently tore across the South 
wrought upon each of our States the tragedy of loss of lives and 
families being separated. By now all of us have seen the images of 
fallen trees and toppled homes and, one by one, Tennesseans and other 
Southerners affected by this disaster have begun the seemingly 
impossible task of piecing their lives together, clearing wreckage, 
mourning the lost, and recovering whatever the storm failed to claim.
  Our planet, for all its blessings, chooses indiscriminately at times 
to affront our shores, plains, valleys and farmlands with terrible 
acts. I'm proud to say, though, as we face the worst of the forces we 
cannot control, we continue to see the best of the humanitarian spirit 
that is very much within our power to command.
  In this time of need, volunteer associations from the United Way to 
the Red Cross helped bring aid and comfort to the affected. Within days 
of the tornados' passing, the Red Cross alone helped provide shelter, 
comfort and over 44,000 meals with the help of nearly 1,600 Red Cross 
staff and volunteers in Tennessee alone.
  Our local sheriff's departments and volunteer fire departments, 
neighbors, friends, those from the farm next door or the neighbor next 
door that may not have lost their home gathered together to offer a 
shoulder of condolence, hope for the future, and concern and compassion 
for those affected.

                              {time}  1815

  It was not long ago that the people of New Orleans endured the worst 
of what can happen when we fail to act. And in the wake of the storms 
in Tennessee and the South, we have shown that we will never commit the 
sin of inaction again. This week and last, we have shown there is no 
tornado so powerful, no storm so terrible that the winds of compassion 
cannot restore and repair any damage brought upon us.
  We rise today to honor the losses of those affected, to grieve for 
those who were so callously and abruptly taken from us that night, and 
we placed a renewal of our great country and our States in the wake of 
this storm.
  Mr. COHEN. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
  Ms. FALLIN. Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as he would consume to the 
gentleman from Tennessee (Mr. Wamp).
  Mr. WAMP. Mr. Speaker, I think Mahatma Gandhi once said that if all 
of the people who profess to be Christians would act like Jesus, the 
world would be at their feet. And I was reminded of that last week, 
because when we gathered Sunday morning for the Johnson Atchley Sunday 
School class at Red Bank Baptist Church where I go, ironically the 
lesson was on witnessing; and many times people consider ``witnessing'' 
as sharing the Gospel verbally. But we all know the most powerful 
witness that anybody can give of their faith and their commitment to 
the Lord is in what they do. And, man, did we ever see that again last 
week in Tennessee.
  I have to tell of the people in Madison County who've been hit and 
hit and hit again over the last several years by tornados because one 
of the students at Union University, who was hurt very badly, is David 
Wilson, who happens to be a very, very close friend of my family. His 
parents are two of my wife's and my best friends, and he cotaught that 
Sunday school class with me at Red Bank Baptist Church for a number of 
years. His son was transported today from the hospital in Madison 
County across the street to Erlanger Hospital in Chattanooga where he 
will be continuing in recovery. But he was hurt critically, and he was 
underneath the rubble for 4 hours with other students at Union 
University.
  I have got to tell you, the experience that the family saw there was 
a witness of their faith and their goodness. They not only had the 
basics of water and food and shelter, they found a home and they took 
care of them, but they went and got him eyeglasses and met every single 
need, and they made sure he was flown back to the hospital at home 
today and met every single need. And that's how people express their 
love for God is by sharing what they have with others, especially in a 
time of need.

[[Page H921]]

  Tennesseans are good people. And, man, when folks are hurting, 
everybody comes to help. We saw it again in Madison County. And on 
behalf of the Wilson family, I want to say from the other end of the 
State, thank you to the good people of that entire area where the 
tornados hit yet again. Thank you to Union University for meeting every 
need. Thank God none of the students died.
  David Wilson has got a long, long road back to stand and walk again. 
We pray for the Wilsons. We pray for David. We pray and thank God for 
all the people who helped at this time of need. Just appreciate the 
goodness of the people of Tennessee who came out and helped in so many 
ways and all of those professionals that were there, it has been said.
  And thanks to this delegation for pulling together yet again. And for 
the people who were hurt in other States and affected and for loss of 
life, our prayers went up. This is really what it's all about is people 
being there, because that's really all we are here for is to love God 
and to serve others.
  Ms. FALLIN. Mr. Speaker, I would like to inquire of Congressman Cohen 
if he has got any more speakers.
  Mr. COHEN. Mr. Speaker, no.
  Ms. FALLIN. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.
  Mr. COHEN. Mr. Speaker, I want to thank the gentlelady from Oklahoma 
for her management and Mr. Wamp, Mrs. Blackburn, Mr. Davis who spoke, 
and Mr. Gordon and Mr. Oberstar who provided statements.
  Abraham Lincoln was a great supporter of government and knew that 
government could do things for people in need and was an important 
instrument of good in society. Abraham Lincoln might have best 
expressed it. In a crisis like this, we realize how important 
government can be when first responders come to the rescue and do jobs 
of heroic proportion.
  Too many times when we are not faced with tragedies and catastrophic 
events, we don't reflect on the importance of government. And 
government is the policeman on the street. And it's the paramedic, and 
it's the firefighter. And it shouldn't just be on 9/11 or on days when 
you think about 9/11 or tornados you think about these people. But they 
are government, and they show government works, and they show 
government worked in this particular situation. It's still working as 
FEMA's helping people get compensation for their losses and seeing they 
have habitable places to live in and that the Small Business 
Administration is helping get businesses started.
  Indeed, as Mr. Wamp and others said, it's the volunteer spirit that 
was shown by people in Tennessee and Alabama and Arkansas and 
throughout the South. They showed their care for their neighbors. There 
were people from Georgia and the Red Cross who came into Memphis to 
help people there.
  I want to thank everybody who's helped all of the victims and thank 
Mr. Gordon for being the proud sponsor on this resolution.
  Mr. Speaker, I would ask that everybody join in voting for the 
passage of this resolution.
  Mr. CRAMER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the victims of the 
February 6, 2008, tornados in Lawrence and Jackson Counties, Alabama.
  Today, I stand with my colleagues from Arkansas, Kentucky, 
Mississippi, and Tennessee to express our sympathy to the victims of 
one of the deadliest storms in the past 20 years. In total, over 50 
individuals passed away in five states across the Southeast and more 
than a thousand homes, schools, and businesses were destroyed.
  It is with a heavy heart that I remember those from my community who 
passed, members of the Coleman family of Aldridge Grove, including 
Gregory, Rebekah, and Gereck; Linda Tinker of Pisgah; and Faye Nell 
McCullough of Moulton. Thirty-five individuals in north Alabama were 
also injured, and hundreds of homes were either damaged or completely 
destroyed by the storm.
  On the Thursday following the storm, I joined Alabama Governor Bob 
Riley to tour the affected areas, and Mr. Speaker, this region has a 
long road to recovery.
  Mr. Speaker, I also rise to thank north Alabama's first responders 
and State and local emergency management officials for their work 
throughout the storm and its aftermath. Additionally, I would like to 
recognize the people of north Alabama, who are once again opening up 
their hearts and working hard to support the storm victims. I continue 
to be amazed by the outpouring of sympathy our community exhibits 
during times of tragedy. These were scenes that I know were similar in 
communities across the Southeast and I'm proud we recognize these men 
and women tonight.
  As we know, damages caused by tornados are unpredictable. Some 
families' homes can be lost completely, while their neighbors' homes go 
relatively untouched. We owe it to those affected to do everything that 
we can to help them pick up the pieces. We must help them rebuild their 
homes, repair their community's infrastructure, and move on with their 
lives.
  I encourage my colleagues to support this resolution and help these 
communities recover.
  Mr. WHITFIELD. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of this 
resolution and to offer my most heartfelt sympathy for all Americans 
who were affected by the tornadoes and other violent weather systems 
that hit the Delta region States including my State, Kentucky, on 
February 5th and 6th.


 =========================== NOTE =========================== 

  
  February 13, 2008--On Page H921 the following appeared: Mr. 
WHITEFIELD. Mr. Speaker, I rise today
  
  The online version should be corrected to read: Mr. WHITFIELD. 
Mr. Speaker, I rise today


 ========================= END NOTE ========================= 

  In the First Congressional District of Kentucky, seven individuals 
tragically lost their lives and many more were injured or displaced. As 
with any major weather event, there also was significant damage to 
public and private property, as well as power, water, and 
communications outages. In total, this storm claimed more than 50 lives 
across the Nation and thousands of other Americans' lives were 
dramatically changed in one of the deadliest tornado outbreaks in 
decades.
  Sadly, we are all too familiar with the tragedy and sorrow that takes 
place when major catastrophic events occur. I had the opportunity to 
travel to my District shortly after the storms hit, and I was able to 
speak with many Kentuckians and see firsthand the devastation. While it 
was heartbreaking to see, I was encouraged by the sense of community 
and civic responsibility we Americans have. But, these folks cannot go 
at this alone,
  Governor Steve Beshear recently sent a letter to President Bush 
requesting a Federal disaster declaration and my colleagues and I in 
the Kentucky delegation sent a letter in support of this request. I 
hope that this appeal for help will be answered expeditiously.
  Mr. Speaker, I also would like to offer my appreciation and gratitude 
to all the first responders who acted bravely and swiftly to help 
minimize the effects of these storms. Without their heroism, there 
could have been far more human suffering that would have taken place.
  My thoughts and prayers are with the families and friends of those 
who lost their lives, and I hope that all Americans affected by this 
event will soon be able to get their lives back in order.
  Mr. OBERSTAR. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of H. Res. 971, a 
resolution to express sympathy for the victims of the tornados that 
struck Alabama, Arkansas, Kentucky, Mississippi, and Tennessee.
  On the evening of February 5th, 2008, more than 100 tornados 
devastated communities in Alabama, Arkansas, Kentucky, Mississippi, and 
Tennessee and provided us yet another reminder of the horrific impacts 
of natural disasters. I express my heartfelt sympathy to those who have 
suffered significant losses as a result of these terrible storms, 
especially to those who suffered the ultimate loss--the loss of a loved 
one.
  I also rise once again, as I did in May of last year in the wake of 
devastating fires in my district, and again in August of last year 
after the tragic bridge failure in Minneapolis, to commend the men and 
women who serve this nation as police officers, firefighters, and 
emergency medical personnel, placing themselves in great danger every 
day in order to protect each one of us.
  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 
and charitable organizations 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.
  Disasters such as the devastating tornadoes that hit just last week 
demonstrate the countless selfless acts of our Nation's charitable 
organizations and our Nation's rust responders. These first responders 
deserve our deepest thanks and respect.
  I strongly support this resolution and urge its passage.
  Mr. GORDON of Tennessee. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H. 
Res. 971.
  My home State is known as the Volunteer State, and over the last 8 
days, the people of Tennessee have proven why we wear that nickname so 
proudly. When I visited with my neighbors in Macon, Sumner and 
Trousdale counties after the storm, the devastation was unimaginable. 
In many instances homes and businesses weren't just knocked down; they 
were completely gone. People were hurting.

[[Page H922]]

  But you could not spend time with them without recognizing how strong 
the community is. And I saw it again and again last week. In the worst 
of circumstances, friends, neighbors, complete strangers all banded 
together to help those who are hurting right now. As many of you 
watched the news last week you no doubt learned that, while Tennessee 
took the hardest hit, this was not something exclusive to us. People in 
Alabama, Arkansas, Kentucky, Mississippi, and Indiana also put their 
lives on hold to help their neighbors recover.
  While we can rebuild our communities, we cannot replace human lives. 
Today I rise to remember the 13 lives lost in Macon County, the 7 in 
Sumner, the 2 in Trousdale. I also want to honor the First Responders 
and the volunteers who have treated the injured and who are working so 
hard to put our communities back together. It's going to take some 
time, but we're going to get there. And I want to thank President Bush 
and Governor Bredesen for acting so quickly to get help to our 
communities.
  I thank my colleagues for their support last week and their continued 
support throughout the recovery process. As the President accurately 
stated a week ago, at times like these, ``Prayers can help and so can 
the government.'' In Middle Tennessee and throughout the South, we will 
continue to need those prayers and need the President's help as we work 
to rebuild the lives and communities affected by these storms.
  The national cameras are gone and the debris is being removed, but we 
still have a lot of work ahead of us.
  Mr. COHEN. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. Walz of Minnesota). The question is on 
the motion offered by the gentleman from Tennessee (Mr. Cohen) that the 
House suspend the rules and agree to the resolution, H. Res. 971.
  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.

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