[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 157 (Tuesday, October 27, 2009)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2640]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


ANSWERING THE CALL IN THE WAKE OF GULF'S FUEL DEPOT EXPLOSION IN PUERTO 
                                  RICO

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. CHARLES B. RANGEL

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, October 27, 2009

  Mr. RANGEL. Madam Speaker, I rise to thank President Barack Obama for 
his steadfastness in dealing with the state of emergency in my beloved 
Puerto Rico. An explosion at the fuel storage complex in Catano ignited 
a fire on Friday, October 23rd, that burned for two days, spewing 
thick, toxic smoke across the Caribbean region and forcing hundreds of 
people on the island to evacuate their homes. The fire affected 21 of 
the fuel depot's 40 tanks. The damages are now estimated at $6.4 
million.
  In a press statement issued by the office of the President's Press 
Secretary, President Obama swiftly declared that an emergency exists in 
the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico. Furthermore, the President ordered 
federal aid to supplement Governor Fortuno's funds and other local 
response efforts in the area struck by explosions and fire.
  The President's action authorizes the Department of Homeland 
Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency to coordinate all 
disaster relief efforts. The purpose of this swift action is to 
alleviate the hardship and suffering caused by the emergency on the 
locals, and to provide appropriate assistance for required emergency 
measures, authorized under Title V of the Stafford Act. This will save 
lives, protect property and public health and safety, and lessen or 
avert the threat of a catastrophe in the municipalities of Bayamon, 
Catano, Guaynabo, San Juan, and Toa Baja.
  Although it's true that we can't personally drive those fire engines 
and we can't personally distribute aid, there are still lots of other 
ways in which we can all help. I, and my fellow colleagues here in 
Congress, can make sure that our government does not stray from its 
initial commitments and that bureaucratic red tape does not impede any 
relief efforts to the affected area. We can also appeal to constituents 
in our own home districts to give to the local charities that are 
involved in this effort, like the Red Cross or Catholic Charities.
  We must never forget that our country's strength lies not just in the 
size of our military, but also in the depth of our compassion. Any 
effort will go a long way in relieving the suffering that continues to 
be felt by our fellow citizens and Commonwealth neighbors to the south.

                          ____________________