[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]]
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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.
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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.
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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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