[Congressional Record Volume 161, Number 3 (Thursday, January 8, 2015)]
[House]
[Page H112]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




               GRANITEVILLE TRAIN WRECK 10TH ANNIVERSARY

  (Mr. WILSON of South Carolina asked and was given permission to 
address the House for 1 minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)
  Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, Tuesday marked the 10th 
anniversary of the catastrophic train wreck in Graniteville, South 
Carolina, which sadly is remembered for the death of nine citizens and 
over 250 persons injured.
  I appreciate the first responders of Aiken County and the State for 
their courageous efforts to help those in need. I commend Steve 
Seeling, who has promoted train safety after his son, Chris, died in 
the incident. I also appreciate the continued efforts in leadership of 
Phil Napier, the GVW volunteer fire chief and now Aiken County Council 
member.
  This disaster had devastating impacts on Graniteville, including the 
closing of a major employer, Avondale Mills. However, new businesses 
have emerged, and the expansion of Bridgestone Corporation with the 
establishment of MTU America has created nearly 1,500 jobs.
  While we are grateful for the new jobs in Graniteville and look 
forward to its continued growth, we will never forget those lost in the 
railroad tragedy 10 years ago.
  In conclusion, God bless our troops, and the President, by his 
actions, must never forget September the 11th in the global war on 
terrorism. As an American grateful for French heritage, our prayers are 
with the people of France fighting terrorism.

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