[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 185 (Wednesday, November 8, 2023)]
[House]
[Page H5650]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




              OPTIMISM IN THE TOWN OF PARADISE, CALIFORNIA

  (Mr. LaMALFA asked and was given permission to address the House for 
1 minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)
  Mr. LaMALFA. Mr. Speaker, today marks the 5-year anniversary since 
the town of Paradise and surrounding areas were tragically burned. 
Eighty-six lives were lost in a town that was devastated; 90 percent 
gone.
  You can see how graphic it is. People trying to escape in their 
automobiles on a narrow path up and down, out of the city.
  Five years later, we have much to be optimistic about. Indeed, we see 
people building. With every reopened business, with every new house 
permit, with every community event, the optimism, the resiliency of the 
people of Paradise and the surrounding areas after the Camp fire are 
indeed an inspiration.
  We have much to do to still help them. We have to pass legislation so 
they are not taxed for the damages that were caused to them, which I 
hope to get to this House floor. We need to help them still with some 
infrastructure and getting rid of the dead trees and such that are in 
the area. Indeed, they are bouncing back, and we are very proud of 
them.

  God bless them as they continue to bounce back from that horrible day 
5 years ago that will be forever remembered as we remember the loss of 
the loved ones and the damage it had.

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