[Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 172 (Tuesday, January 1, 2013)]
[House]
[Page H7561]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         HURRICANE SANDY RELIEF

  (Mr. MEEKS asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 
minute.)
  Mr. MEEKS. I'm sitting here in shock this evening. This is supposed 
to be the people's House. We are the United States House of 
Representatives. There are Americans that are suffering because of an 
act of nature. It is our obligation, not as Democrats, not as 
Republicans, but as Americans to make sure that we come to the aid of 
Americans. And that's why in this issue, Democrats and Republicans have 
worked together in any kind of crisis. Especially when it goes to 
natural disasters, we've always come together.
  How can we, at this critical point, turn our backs on Americans? This 
is not supposed to happen here. It happens other places.
  Mr. Speaker, we cannot turn our backs on our citizens who need us. 
Some will not have a place to stay for a long period of time. People 
have suffered, and people need food. We are Americans. This is what's 
supposed to separate us from everyone else. I am absolutely shocked.
  Mr. Speaker, you have to reconsider.

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