[Congressional Record Volume 161, Number 98 (Thursday, June 18, 2015)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E925]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                  THE RAINS IN THE REPUBLIC OF GEORGIA

                                 ______
                                 

                              HON. TED POE

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, June 18, 2015

  Mr. POE of Texas. Mr. Speaker, on June 14, heavy rains poured down 
hammering the ground and streets of Georgia the Republic of Georgia.
  The River Vere, a small stream that cuts through the center of the 
Georgian capital of Tbilisi, was transformed into a raging torrent.
  It caused flooding of an unprecedented scale.
  So far, 13 people have been killed. The flooding allowed animals to 
escape from the local zoo. Lions, bears, tigers, and jaguars remain on 
the loose.
  Homes, cars and roadways are destroyed. There are over 1 million 
residents in the capital, and it will take a long time before things 
get back to normal.
  I've been to Georgia--twice. Texans and Georgians are likeminded 
people; they know the spirit and importance of Independence.
  Still occupied by the Russians, Georgia sent troops to fight 
alongside ours in Afghanistan.
  They have been a strong and steadfast U.S. ally in an important and 
often turbulent part of the world.
  Americans must help our friends and allies; the Georgians, as they 
begin to rebuild their capital city after this historic flooding.
  From across the globe we keep the Georgians in our thoughts and 
prayers.
  We know our Georgian friends are resilient and will face this natural 
disaster with courage. We should stand by them in this effort.
  And that's just the way it is.

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