[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 12 (Thursday, January 28, 2010)]
[Senate]
[Page S335]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         ADDITIONAL STATEMENTS

                                 ______
                                 

              TRIBUTE TO NORTH DAKOTA'S ELECTRICAL LINEMEN

 Mr. CONRAD. Mr. President, today I wish honor the brave crews 
of electrical line workers who helped restore power to thousands of 
North Dakotans.
  Within the last week, severe weather hit the southwestern part of my 
State. These storms brought fierce winds, freezing rains, and 
eventually blizzard conditions. Ice coated miles of power lines, 
causing them to fail under the extra weight. Thousands of homes and 
businesses were left without electricity.
  Severe weather is nothing new to North Dakotans. But living in a home 
without electricity during the depths of winter is an alarming 
prospect.
  Thankfully, dedicated repair linemen immediately went to work. While 
I know these crews would tell me they are just doing their jobs, I 
think it is important to step back at a time like this and recognize 
the importance of their work. Repairing high-voltage power lines while 
battling subzero temperatures and strong prairie winds is a downright 
dangerous job. But these repair linemen work tirelessly in adverse 
conditions because they know their fellow North Dakotans depend on 
them.
  Many people in my State still do not have access to power, but I know 
North Dakotans have enormous confidence in the ability of the repair 
linemen to restore power in a swift manner. They have shown tremendous 
resolve throughout this situation, and I am proud to commend their 
efforts.

                          ____________________