[Congressional Record Volume 168, Number 6 (Monday, January 10, 2022)]
[Senate]
[Pages S104-S105]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]



                    Twin Parks North West Tower Fire

  Mr. SCHUMER. Madam President, today my thoughts, my prayers, and 
condolences are with everyone whose lives were ripped apart because of 
the awful fire in the apartments that ignited yesterday at the Twin 
Parks North West tower in the Bronx. Seventeen people lost their lives 
in yesterday's fire, including eight innocent children. Dozens of 
others were injured, many critically so. We pray for their recovery. 
Many are still in the ICU.
  It was the deadliest fire in New York City in the last 30 years, an 
unspeakable tragedy made a thousand times worse because it happened 
within the confines of people's own homes--places that should be safe, 
should be secure, should be shielded from moments of terror like the 
ones we saw yesterday.
  I grieve for all the families, friends, and neighbors whose lives 
were suddenly cut short in the fire. Many were from immigrant families, 
people who came to our city to start climbing up the ladders of 
prosperity and a decent life for themselves and their children in this 
beautiful country, and now they are lost.
  I commend the brave firefighters who stepped up to beat back the 
fire, save lives, and keep the surrounding communities safe. They did 
not think about their own safety. They just answered the call and did 
their jobs. That is what firefighters do. We respect them. We love 
them. I am profoundly grateful for them and all the workers who are 
rebuilding from the damage, as well as the health workers tending to 
the injured.
  Last night, I joined with the Governor, Mayor Adams, and with other 
members of the city and local government. It was a broad group because 
New York always pulls together in times of tragedy, and we had people

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from all parts of this city and all different backgrounds coming 
together to support those families impacted by the fire. At the Federal 
level, we will do whatever we can--housing assistance, disaster 
assistance, and help for all immigrant families.
  Many of those affected by the fire came from Gambia and other West 
African countries on a program called Diversity Visa, which I was proud 
to author. I say to these immigrant families: Do not hesitate to reach 
out to local and Federal authorities. You will find nothing but a 
helping hand.
  When tragedy strikes our city, New Yorkers come together. We embrace 
one another. We help however we can. And we always find ways to come 
back stronger than before. That has been true throughout our city's 
history, and it shall remain true as we get through this latest, awful 
tragedy.