[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 83 (Friday, May 28, 2010)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E986]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


   HONORING THOSE WHO PERISHED ON THE DEEPWATER HORIZON OIL PLATFORM

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. CHARLES B. RANGEL

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, May 27, 2010

  Mr. RANGEL. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the 11 workers who 
lost their lives on April 20, 2010 in the explosion of a deep sea oil 
rig in the Gulf of Mexico off the coast of Louisiana. I also offer my 
sympathy to the four workers who were critically injured.
  My deepest condolences also go out to the families of the deceased. 
The offshore drilling industry is known for its dangers. Oil rig 
workers often labor in severe and uncertain working conditions, fraught 
with difficulty. We are indebted to these courageous workers for their 
contributions to our country.
  This is a tragedy not only for the workers and their families but the 
residents of the entire Gulf Coast region, and the United States. We 
honor the legacy of these men and their families and affirm that their 
contributions to a field crucial to our society are recognized by all.
  We wish a speedy recovery to the four additional workers who were 
critically injured during the rig explosion. We also offer a heartfelt 
thank you to the emergency response workers who responded to the 
disaster. Their efforts are greatly appreciated.
  This incident highlights the importance of implementing and enforcing 
stricter offshore drilling regulations. Oil rig explosions and 
resulting oil spills can lead to the deaths of workers and cause 
irreversible damage to our environment, marine life, wildlife, food 
industries, and our economy. It is important that we address the lack 
of oversight in the offshore drilling industry and protect the lives of 
dedicated oil rig workers who make daily sacrifices in the interest of 
the United States.

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