[Congressional Record Volume 159, Number 72 (Tuesday, May 21, 2013)]
[Senate]
[Page S3633]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                           OKLAHOMA TORNADOES

  Mr. REID. Mr. President, yesterday afternoon I called home to check 
to see how things were going, visited with my wife a little bit.
  She said: You can't imagine what I am watching on TV. It is hard to 
watch.
  She was talking about the terrible storm that hit Oklahoma, the 
devastation and deaths, the injuries. She tried to explain to me. It 
was hard to relate even though she was watching it on TV. Homes were 
destroyed, schools were destroyed, even elementary schools were 
destroyed.
  I think what Landra did was she described how all of America feels 
and felt upon watching it. Our hearts go out to the families whose 
loved ones were lost. The extent of that we don't know. We are still 
waiting. Those missing in the devastating tornadoes in Oklahoma, we 
feel so sad for them. Our thoughts are with those who were affected by 
this tragedy, and so many people have been affected. Families are still 
searching for their family members, their children.
  I recognize and commend the heroic efforts of the first responders 
who rushed to the scene and have been working tirelessly to help those 
who were injured. They worked all night. Of course, they are still 
searching for the missing. I commend the efforts of neighbors, everyday 
citizens, young and old, who have been heroic in helping.
  Although we may not know the extent of the damage now, we will 
continue to do everything in our power to help the people of Oklahoma 
as they recover from these terrible tornadoes, these acts of nature. I 
will stand vigilant today and tomorrow, ready to help as more storms 
threaten the region.
  Every Federal resource will be made available to help the communities 
affected by this tragedy. I look forward to hearing the President--his 
speech will start momentarily--on the disaster. I am pleased that FEMA 
Administrator Craig Fugate is already in Oklahoma assessing the extent 
of the damage and deciding how the Federal Government can best assist.
  I will continue to monitor the search and rescue efforts. Whenever 
tragedy strikes any part of our Nation, it really strikes us all. I 
pledge to the people of Oklahoma my continued support, our continued 
support, as they begin to recover from this awful storm.

                          ____________________