[Congressional Record Volume 171, Number 84 (Monday, May 19, 2025)]
[House]
[Page H2112]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                          TORNADO IN ST. LOUIS

  (Mr. BELL asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 
minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)
  Mr. BELL. Mr. Speaker, this weekend, a catastrophic tornado struck 
the heart of St. Louis, killing five of our neighbors, injuring dozens 
more, and causing more than $1.6 billion in projected damage.
  Over 5,000 buildings were hit, power lines are down, critical 
infrastructure remains unstable, and entire neighborhoods are waking up 
to devastation.
  Even in the middle of all that loss, St. Louis showed out. St. Louis 
showed up and showed what it is made of. Neighbors checked on 
neighbors. Teachers sheltered students. First responders put themselves 
in harm's way to keep others safe, and I thank them all.
  This is not just a Democratic or a Republican issue. This is an all-
of-the-above issue. From the Governor, the mayor, municipal mayors, the 
county executives, State representatives and senators, city 
alderpersons, county leaders, and especially regular citizens who have 
been working so hard for their community, I acknowledge these leaders.
  Right now, thousands are still without power. Schools are closed, and 
families are grieving. Faith without works is dead, and we need the 
prayers of our constituents.

  It will take a lot of work. I urge FEMA and the administration to 
work quickly. St. Louis can and will rebuild, but we cannot be left to 
do it alone. We have been through a lot. Working together, we are going 
to get through this, too.

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