[Congressional Record Volume 164, Number 181 (Thursday, November 15, 2018)]
[House]
[Page H9534]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                      HURRICANE MICHAEL AFTERMATH

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Chair recognizes the gentlewoman from 
Alabama (Mrs. Roby) for 5 minutes.
  Mrs. ROBY. Mr. Speaker, just over a month ago, Hurricane Michael, the 
third most powerful hurricane to ever make landfall on the United 
States mainland, ravaged areas of Alabama, Florida, and Georgia. 
Hundreds of Americans lost everything, and more than 30 people were 
killed.
  Hurricane Michael appears to have done its worst in Panama City, 
Florida, and nearby areas, but Alabama's Second District was also badly 
impacted in several counties in the Wiregrass Region. In fact, 
Hurricane Michael is the most powerful storm to ever hit Houston 
County, according to recorded history.
  In my district, the agricultural community faces the most significant 
devastation. While the full scale of the damage to local agriculture is 
still being assessed, Hurricane Michael dealt a terrible blow to our 
cotton, timber, and peanut farmers.
  In the aftermath of the storm, I traveled to the Wiregrass several 
times to be with our farmers and to see firsthand what they were 
experiencing. The devastation is heartbreaking, to say the least. The 
farmers in southeast Alabama are in the midst of a very real crisis.

  In Alabama's Second District, agriculture is the backbone of our 
economy. Throughout my time in Congress, I have made it a priority to 
fight for our farmers of all commodities. Their work to provide the 
food and fiber we depend on is vitally important. I will continue to 
advocate for them, especially during this time of uncertainty, as we 
work to put the pieces back together for these hardworking men and 
women who have suffered tremendous loss to their livelihoods.
  Mr. Speaker, I want the people I represent to know that my office 
stands ready to help during this challenging time. I will work with my 
colleagues here in Congress to provide the proper resources and 
assistance to our farmers. We must get this right, and we must ensure 
Alabama's farmers are included in all recovery efforts.
  I encourage anyone in Alabama's Second District who needs assistance 
in the aftermath of Hurricane Michael to contact one of my offices 
today. My staff and I work for you, and we are committed to ensuring 
that the folks impacted know the options available to them.
  As we work through this season of rebuilding, I have been encouraged 
to see and hear about so many acts of kindness and charity in our 
district and throughout the Southeast. This time of recovery will not 
be easy, but if we continue to help each other in whatever ways we are 
able, we will get through this together.

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