[Congressional Record Volume 165, Number 9 (Wednesday, January 16, 2019)]
[House]
[Page H614]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       DISASTER RELIEF AMENDMENT

  (Mr. HARDER of California asked and was given permission to address 
the House for 1 minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)
  Mr. HARDER of California. Madam Speaker, today, I rise on behalf of 
the communities affected by the devastating wildfires in northern 
California.
  These past few months have been a trying time for our community. 
Entire towns were destroyed, crops were burned, and thousands of 
families were left with nowhere to call home. My relatives' home was 
completely destroyed in the Paradise fire.
  In my district, we had to wear masks because of the terrible air 
quality. Farmers throughout our region took a huge hit with missing 
livestock and crops ruined by thick ash.
  Today, I am proud to lead a bipartisan amendment bringing $1.9 
billion in relief to our farmers for crop and livestock losses during 
the fire. This is incredibly important to my district, and it is just 
the start in helping our communities rebuild. It is also a perfect 
example of how we can put party labels aside, actually work together, 
and do what we were sent here to do: help people.
  I know a lot of people in my district are frustrated we can't even 
work together to keep our government open. I am frustrated, too. Let 
this be an example and a sign that, out of tragic loss, we can remember 
what actually unites us.

                          ____________________