[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 72 (Thursday, May 13, 2010)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E849]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




           EXPRESSING SYMPATHY FOR FLOOD VICTIMS IN SOUTHEAST

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                         HON. LAURA RICHARDSON

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, May 12, 2010

  Ms. RICHARDSON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of House 
Resolution 1337, expressing the sympathy and condolences of the House 
of Representatives to those affected by the flooding in Tennessee, 
Kentucky, and Mississippi in May 2010.
  I would like to acknowledge Speaker Pelosi and Chairman Oberstar for 
their leadership in bringing this important resolution to the floor. I 
would also like to thank my colleague Congressman Cooper, who authored 
this legislation.
  As Chair of the Homeland Security Subcommittee on Emergency 
Communication, Preparedness, and Response, I stand with my colleagues 
in expressing our deepest sympathy to those affected by this recent 
flooding. The State of Tennessee was hit by unprecedented rainfall that 
resulted in the massive flooding of areas in and around Nashville. 
According to the National Weather Service of the National Oceanic and 
Atmospheric Administration, the two-day rainfall totals of 13.53 inches 
more than doubles the previous record of 6.68 inches set in September, 
1979. Unfortunately, the storms causing the rainfall claimed the lives 
of 31 people across Tennessee, Kentucky, and Mississippi. My heart goes 
out to their families and loved ones.
  In addition, the storms destroyed homes and displaced thousands of 
people across Tennessee, and the flooding affected travel along 
hundreds of roads throughout Tennessee, including interstate highways 
40 and 24. Schools and universities across the region were closed. 
However, in this time of need, citizens and emergency responders worked 
together to aid their neighbors after the storm. I want to express my 
gratitude and appreciation to the people of the State of Tennessee and 
the surrounding States, who continue to work to protect people from the 
floodwaters and aid in the recovery efforts.
  In conclusion, Mr. Speaker, I stand with my colleagues today to honor 
the emergency responders across Tennessee for their bravery and 
sacrifice during this tragedy.
  Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to join me in supporting H. Res. 
1337.

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