[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 57 (Wednesday, March 29, 2023)]
[House]
[Page H1541]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




           HONORING THE HEROES OF WEST READING, PENNSYLVANIA

  (Ms. HOULAHAN asked and was given permission to address the House for 
1 minute and to revise and extend her remarks.)
  Ms. HOULAHAN. Mr. Speaker, last week, tragedy struck my community 
when an explosion rocked the R.M. Palmer chocolate factory in West 
Reading, claiming the lives of seven people and injuring many others.
  Most people know Palmer chocolate for their Easter bunnies and other 
holiday treats, but we know them as an important part of our community.
  Since the tragedy, our first responders have been heroes.
  Our neighbors, nonprofits, and local businesses have set up programs 
to help and, in some cases, literally have given the shirts off their 
backs for those who were impacted.
  Similarly, and also not surprisingly in our community, government 
leaders at the local, State, and Federal levels are also on the ground, 
collaborating together to support our community and recovery.
  I speak today full of grief for the families and friends of those 
whom we have lost, and I speak today full of gratitude for the strength 
and dedication of so many in our community who are doing so much.
  We see you, and we honor you. We are very proud to stand with you.

                          ____________________