[Congressional Record Volume 159, Number 128 (Wednesday, September 25, 2013)]
[House]
[Page H5824]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




       MOMENT OF SILENCE IN REMEMBRANCE OF COLORADO FLOOD VICTIMS

  (Mr. POLIS asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 
minute.)
  Mr. POLIS. Mr. Speaker, none of us ever want to be down here as 
Representatives and as a delegation talking about a disaster in our 
districts. But last week, Coloradans in an instant lost their homes and 
businesses, their hopes and dreams, and in some cases, tragically, 
their lives. Amid the despair and the disaster, people came together, 
helping dig one another out. Our sheriff's departments and the National 
Guard showed heroism, airlifting thousands of Coloradans to safety.
  Today we mourn the tragic loss of life and the lives devastated by 
the floods. Among those confirmed dead: Evelyn Starner, a nurse and a 
mother of three; Gerry Boland, beloved grandfather, retired math 
teacher, and well-known basketball coach at the local high school in 
Lyons; Danny Davis, father of five, skilled carpenter and outdoorsman; 
James Bettner, Broncos fan and family man. Joseph Howlett operated 
Jamestown's Mercantile Cafe for 18 years, which I have been to, and was 
well known. Carroll ``CT'' White loved stock racing cars and retired 
from the Coors plant in Golden. Wiyanna Nelson and Wesley Quinlan, 19-
year-old sweethearts. Wesley, a graduate last year of Centaurus High 
School in Boulder, Colorado, who was swept away trying to save his 
girlfriend's life when their car got stuck. And Patty Goodwine who is 
still missing, and we pray for her return.
  I yield to the gentleman from Colorado (Mr. Gardner).
  Mr. GARDNER. In Colorado, over 2,000 homes were destroyed, over 
17,000 homes were damaged, and over 200 miles of highway were washed 
away. The incredible work that the first responders have done, the 
local leaders, local elected officials, firemen, policemen, and the 
stories of their heroic efforts are continuing to emerge. We cannot 
thank them enough for the work that they have done in Colorado to save 
lives, to save property, and what they are doing now to rebuild their 
communities.
  I would ask you to join us in a moment of silence in remembrance of 
the people who have lost their lives and for those who have forever had 
their lives changed.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Members will please rise.

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