[Congressional Record Volume 165, Number 14 (Wednesday, January 23, 2019)]
[House]
[Page H1003]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         ELMORE COUNTY TORNADO

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Chair recognizes the gentlewoman from 
Alabama (Mrs. Roby) for 5 minutes.
  Mrs. ROBY. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the hardworking men 
and women I represent in Elmore County, Alabama, who, this past 
Saturday, experienced a devastating loss, as a tornado ripped through 
the city of Wetumpka. By the grace of God, no lives were lost and only 
minor injuries have been reported at this point. Still, the damage is 
severe and the road to recovery is long.
  Madam Speaker, on Monday, I spent time on the ground with those 
impacted, and I had the opportunity to see firsthand the damage to 
several churches, the police station, dozens of homes, and businesses. 
I appreciate the tireless work of the local leaders and first 
responders who immediately jumped to action to begin putting the pieces 
back together for the people who have lost so much.
  During this challenging time, it has been so encouraging to see the 
community united like a family. They have come together to begin the 
rebuilding process. Merely hours after the devastating storm, the 
Elmore County Emergency Management Agency heard from nearly 1,000 
individuals who signed up to volunteer their time and resources in the 
cleanup efforts.
  Madam Speaker, I would like to take this opportunity to speak 
directly to the people impacted by this weekend's tornado:
  My office stands ready to assist you in whatever ways we are able. My 
staff and I work for you, and we want to be a resource for you during 
this very challenging time. The rebuilding process won't be easy, but 
if we work together and help each other whenever possible, we will get 
through this together. In the meantime, my family and I will continue 
to pray for those impacted by this devastating event.

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