[Congressional Record Volume 166, Number 47 (Wednesday, March 11, 2020)]
[Senate]
[Page S1700]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                          AUSTRALIAN WILDFIRES

  Ms. ROSEN. Mr. President, I rise in support of S. Res. 527, a 
resolution I was proud to cosponsor, recognizing the longstanding 
partnership between the United States and Australia to share critical 
firefighting resources during times of crisis.
  I first want to thank my colleagues, Senator Cardin and Barrasso, for 
introducing this important legislation recognizing the brave men and 
women who have not only risked their lives in the United States as 
first responders, but went above and beyond to help combat the recent 
bushfires in Australia.
  In November 2019, Australia began to experience devastating bushfires 
that burned over 30,000,000 acres of land. During this time, more than 
300 American firefighters mobilized to assist Australian efforts to 
suppress and contain the bushfire raging throughout the continent. This 
bipartisan resolution recognizes the efforts and bravery of Australian 
and American men and women who worked together to help those in danger 
and also specifically honors the three American firefighters who lost 
their lives fighting Australia's bushfires on January 23, 2020.
  In my home State of Nevada, several firefighters answered the call to 
assist with bushfire mitigation and suppression efforts. I want to take 
a moment to recognize them individually: Matthew James Petersen, Justin 
Cutler, Brian C. Holmes, Ian McQueary, Jacob Keogh, Juan Islas, Kevin 
Kelly, Joseph L. Miller, Dylan Rader, Timothy P. Roide, and Eric T. 
Tilden.
  Thank you to all of these brave Nevadans for your service and 
sacrifice.

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