[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 85 (Tuesday, June 8, 2010)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1043-E1044]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




      HONORING WORKERS WHO PERISHED IN DEEPWATER HORIZON ACCIDENT

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                         HON. LAURA RICHARDSON

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, May 26, 2010

  Ms. RICHARDSON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H. Res. 1347, 
which honors the lives of the 11 workers who were tragically killed in 
the explosion on the Deepwater Horizon offshore oil platform off the 
coast of Louisiana. It also commends the rescue workers who 
courageously responded to the explosion. They showed tremendous 
strength by risking their lives to save those of others.
  I thank Chairman Towns for his leadership in bringing this bill to 
the floor. I also thank the sponsor of this legislation, Congressman 
Melancon, for honoring the individuals who lost their lives in the 
explosion. In addition, I would like to commend the Congressman for his 
commitment to serving the people of South Louisiana and promoting the 
interests of the Gulf Coast region throughout the many challenges it 
faces. Congressman Melancon is a champion of South Louisiana's hard-
working people, ecologically unique coastal environment, and nationally 
cherished culture.
  My thoughts and prayers go out to the families and friends of the 11 
individuals who passed away in the explosion. I know that they will be 
missed by their neighbors, friends, and coworkers, but most of all by 
their families, who will mourn their loss more than we can imagine. The 
men who passed away on April 20, 2010, were loving husbands, sons, and 
brothers. We must offer our support and care to their families in this 
time of need.
  Hopefully, this tragic event can serve as a poignant reminder of the 
need for strong regulations and workplace protections in the offshore 
oil and gas industry. Measures must be put in place to ensure that a 
disaster of this kind never happens again. Offshore oil and gas 
exploration is a line of work that inevitably carries personal safety 
risks. However, with frequent safety checks, more stringent 
regulations, and the implementation of the most modern technologies, we 
can mitigate these risks and promote the safety and wellbeing of all 
workers in the industry.
  In addition to the tragic human cost of the explosion, the resulting 
oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico continues to pollute and degrade the 
vital ecosystems in the Gulf and the surrounding coastal regions. We 
are only beginning to feel the massive environmental toll of the spill, 
which is likely to devastate an environment that is the backbone of the 
South Louisiana economy and on which thousands of individuals depend 
for their livelihood. We must stand in solidarity with the people of 
the Gulf Coast region. We must work to limit the impact of the spill, 
clean up the damage that has already been done, and hold the 
responsibile parties accountable. The costal environment and culture of 
south Louisiana are national treasures. We must work day and night to 
ensure that the damage endured is not irreparable.
  Again, I extend my deepest condolences to the family of the 
individuals who were tragically killed in the explosion. The thoughts 
of our Nation are with them as they grieve the

[[Page E1044]]

loss of their loved ones. I urge my colleagues to join me in supporting 
H. Res. 1347.

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