[Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 32 (Wednesday, February 29, 2012)]
[House]
[Page H1079]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                    TORNADO IN HARRISBURG, ILLINOIS

  (Mr. SHIMKUS asked and was given permission to address the House for 
1 minute.)
  Mr. SHIMKUS. Mr. Speaker, I too come to the well to address a tragedy 
that happened this morning. Early this morning, an F 4 tornado hit the 
city of Harrisburg, Illinois, in my district. There was extensive 
damage, and six residents lost their lives.
  Our thoughts and prayers are with those who lost family and friends, 
those who were injured, and those who lost their homes.
  I plan to visit Harrisburg personally tomorrow and thank all those 
first responders who have been working tirelessly to care for the 
injured and to begin the long road back to clean up. The mutual aid 
provided by the surrounding communities is also very heartwarming.
  I pledge to work with Mayor Eric Gregg and other local officials to 
rebuild the Harrisburg we all know and love.

                          ____________________