[Congressional Record Volume 154, Number 25 (Thursday, February 14, 2008)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E195]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




EXPRESSING SYMPATHIES AND SUPPORT FOR THE INDIVIDUALS AND INSTITUTIONS 
 AFFECTED BY THE POWERFUL TORNADOS THAT STRUCK CERTAIN COMMUNITIES ON 
                            FEBRUARY 5, 2008

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                        HON. BENNIE G. THOMPSON

                             of mississippi

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, February 13, 2008

  Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of 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 5th, 2008. Our 
thoughts and prayers are with all of the families that have experienced 
the loss of loved ones caused by these tornados. This resolution is 
important, as it communicates to those affected that Congress is here 
to do all that it can to help rebuild and restore our damaged 
communities.
  While my district was not affected this time by the tornados on 
February 5, other communities throughout the State of Mississippi were. 
And as you know, my State has been no stranger to experiencing 
disasters. In fact, we are still recovering from the damage caused by 
Hurricane Katrina and empathize with what the affected communities are 
experiencing.
  We know that after a disaster has occurred, the recovery and 
rebuilding effort of our communities takes time. And when Federal, 
State and local governments work efficiently and effectively to provide 
resources to our communities in a timely fashion, the rebuilding effort 
moves along more smoothly.
  As the chairman of the committee with oversight of the Department of 
Homeland Security, DHS, of which FEMA is a part, our committee works 
diligently to ensure that DHS is prepared to respond to all disasters--
whether they be natural disaster or acts of terrorism. As communities 
are working hard to recover from the damage caused by the tornados, the 
committee will closely monitor the responsiveness of FEMA and ensure 
that the communities affected will receive the assistance that they 
need to rebuild housing, public facilities and critical infrastructure.
  In closing, let me thank my colleague Representative Bart Gordon 
along with my colleagues on the Transportation and Infrastructure 
Committee for their leadership on this resolution. It is our hope that 
the rebuilding effort will soon begin, communities will be repaired and 
that families will begin to heal and return to normalcy.
  I encourage my colleagues to support this resolution.

                          ____________________