[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 147 (2001), Part 9]
[Senate]
[Pages 13333-13334]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]



AUTHORIZING SENATE OFFICE OF SENATOR JOHN D. ROCKEFELLER IV BE USED TO 
                     COLLECT DONATIONS OF CLOTHING

  Mr. REID. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent the Senate proceed 
to the consideration of S. Res. 134, submitted earlier today by 
Senators Rockefeller and Byrd.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. The clerk will report the resolution by title.
  The legislative clerk read as follows:

       A resolution (S. Res. 134) authorizing that the Senate 
     office of Senator John D. Rockefeller IV be used to collect 
     donations of clothing from July 13, 2001, until July 20, 
     2001, from concerned Members of Congress and staff to assist 
     the West Virginia families suffering from the recent disaster 
     of flooding and storms.

  There being no objection, the Senate proceeded to consider the 
resolution.
  Mr. ROCKEFELLER. Madam President, as you may know, my state of

[[Page 13334]]

West Virginia was ravaged last week by its worst flooding in years. 
Homes were destroyed, businesses and infrastructure were shut down and, 
most tragically, lives were lost. The outpouring of support thus far 
has been truly heartwarming; however, much is still needed in order to 
rebuild our communities. That is why I am asking my colleagues, our 
staffs, and our friends to support this resolution and to participate 
in a clothing drive that will give aid to the victims of this tragedy. 
I am proud to be joined by our distinguished senior Senator, Robert C. 
Byrd, in our effort to help West Virginians. Our drive can only be 
successful if the resolution before us is passed, and if we each give 
what we can.
  Immediately following the floods, I visited some of the areas hardest 
hit. Although I have seen this type of devastation before, I was still 
taken aback by dissolved roads, collapsed homes, and splintered 
bridges. Fortunately, the clean-up process is already underway as 
federal disaster relief pours in. Organizations such as the American 
Red Cross and the Salvation Army have provided for residents' most 
immediate needs, while agencies such as the Federal Emergency 
Management Agency, FEMA, begin processing damage claims. Governor Wise 
and state agencies are working hard to reach out to communities 
struggling to cope with the aftermath of the flooding. Working 
together, federal, state, and local officials can begin the crucial 
work to rebuild our communities.
  Yet, much remains to be done. Today, Sharon and I will visit more of 
the state. With us, we will take the prayers and well-wishes we have 
been given. We will also present generous donations from corporations 
such as the Pepsi Cola Company. While I am in the state, my staff will 
organize a clothing drive to replace some of the items lost in the 
floods. Clothing of all kinds is needed as residents rebuild their 
homes and their lives. Many have lost everything and, as they return to 
work and school, will need the basic items we all take for granted. 
Moreover, as the winter months approach and the season brings rugged 
weather, victims will also find themselves in need of cold-weather 
clothing and shoes. Once the clothing is collected on Capitol Hill, 
United Airlines will transport all of the donations to West Virginia 
and the National Guard will help distribute the clothing to families in 
need. These are just two examples of the generosity displayed by 
companies and by individuals who wish to help. Each of them has my deep 
gratitude.
  Of course, in the rush to move on and rebuild, we cannot forget about 
those lost. I am enormously sorry for the loss of Bonnie Shumate and 
Bradley Jenkins, and my heart goes out to their families and friends. 
Though rebuilding will serve as a challenge for the average West 
Virginian, grieving will, of course, prove far more difficult for the 
Shumates and the Jenkins.
  It has been said that there is light at the end of every tunnel. 
Considering the awesome amount of support provided to date for the 
flood victims in West Virginia, I would have to agree. Let us continue 
this support by committing to and participating in a clothing drive for 
the people affected by the flood. On behalf of the Mountain State, 
thank you.
  Mr. REID. Madam President, I ask consent the resolution and preamble 
be agreed to en bloc, the motion to reconsider be laid on the table, 
and any statements and supporting documents be printed in the Record.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered.
  The resolution (S. Res. 134) was agreed to.
  The preamble was agreed to.
  (The resolution, with its preamble, is located in today's Record 
under ``Submitted Resolutions.'')

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