[Congressional Record Volume 159, Number 167 (Thursday, November 21, 2013)]
[House]
[Page H7314]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                             INDIANA STORMS

  (Mr. ROKITA asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 
minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)
  Mr. ROKITA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to reflect on the destructive 
tornados and severe thunderstorms that struck Indiana and much of the 
Midwest this past Sunday.
  On Monday, I had an opportunity to tour areas that sustained some of 
the worst damage. Kokomo, Indiana, was particularly hard hit, and 
Logansport, Lafayette, and Lebanon sustained serious damage as well.
  While Hoosier lives were spared during this, some of our Illinois 
neighbors were not so lucky. All throughout the Midwest, people lost 
their homes, their possessions, and in some cases their livelihoods as 
businesses were destroyed.
  Some of our communities and neighbors face a long, painful recovery. 
I encourage all Hoosiers and Americans to keep those suffering from the 
destruction of these storms in their thoughts and prayers.
  As is often the case in our great Nation, tragedy reminds us of the 
goodness and generosity of our fellow citizens. In the past, I have 
seen Hoosiers step up in tough times to help their family, friends, 
neighbors, and even complete strangers in a time of need.
  While touring Kokomo, I met two men who had driven all the way up 
from the Indianapolis suburbs just to lend a hand however they could. 
Shelters had opened. Charitable organizations had swung into action. 
Neighbors were helping neighbors.
  While the Federal Government may have a role to play in the recovery 
efforts, Hoosiers were not sitting around waiting for their Federal 
Government. Individuals attacked problems, helped their neighbors, and 
showed great generosity and resilience.
  It makes me proud to be a Hoosier, and I am humbled to represent so 
many people full of caring, generosity, and resilience.

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