[Congressional Record Volume 165, Number 94 (Wednesday, June 5, 2019)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E714-E715]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         TORNADOES AND HEROISM

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. WARREN DAVIDSON

                                of ohio

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, June 5, 2019

  Mr. DAVIDSON of Ohio. Madam Speaker, I rise today in support of 
heroes, in support of unity, and in support of the compassion that I 
witnessed in the Eighth District of Ohio after 19 tornadoes devastated 
Southwestern Ohio last week.
  On May 27th, communities in Mercer, Miami, Darke, and Preble 
Counties, and counties adjacent to the Eighth District, were devastated 
by tornadoes with winds upwards of 140 miles per hour.

[[Page E715]]

  My wife Lisa and I took shelter in our basement as the storms passed. 
The totality of the destruction emerged with Tuesday's sunrise.
  The caved roofs, toppled power lines, and staircases without 
surrounding structures gave powerful testimony to the violence of the 
storms.
  Despite the terrible destruction in our district, we also saw signs 
of hope. Our communities always come together to help one another in 
times of need. It is why southwest Ohio is such a special place to call 
home.
  Our first responders do an amazing job. There were no Democrats, no 
Republicans; there were just neighbors helping neighbors. It's too bad 
that it often takes a tragedy to highlight this special quality in us, 
but it is there--and it is a great thing to see.
  I want to thank our first responders, Ohio Senators Portman and Brown 
for their leadership during this time of crisis, the Ohio delegation, 
Governor DeWine, and leaders across the country who are standing with 
the people of Ohio.
  Madam Speaker, as relief and recovery efforts continue in Southwest 
Ohio, I use my time on the floor today to honor the heroes and 
survivors. We will rebuild and be stronger than before.

                          ____________________