[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 153 (2007), Part 10]
[Senate]
[Page 14141]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




     DESIGNATING THE WEEK OF MAY 20, 2007, AS ``NATIONAL HURRICANE 
                          PREPAREDNESS WEEK''

  Mr. DURBIN. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the Senate 
proceed to the consideration of S. Res. 217, which was submitted 
earlier today.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. The clerk will report the resolution by title.
  The legislative clerk read as follows:

       A resolution (S. Res. 217) designating the week of May 20, 
     2007, as ``National Hurricane Preparedness Week.''

  There being no objection, the Senate proceeded to consider the 
resolution.
  Mr. DURBIN. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the 
resolution be agreed to, the preamble be agreed to, and the motion to 
reconsider be laid upon the table.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered.
  The resolution (S. Res. 217) was agreed to.
  The preamble was agreed to.
  The resolution, with its preamble, reads as follows:

                               S. Res. 217

       Whereas the President has proclaimed that the week 
     beginning May 20, 2007, shall be known as ``National 
     Hurricane Preparedness Week'', and has called on government 
     agencies, private organizations, schools, and media to share 
     information about hurricane preparedness;
       Whereas, as hurricane season approaches, National Hurricane 
     Preparedness Week provides an opportunity to raise awareness 
     of steps that can be taken to help protect citizens, their 
     communities, and property;
       Whereas the official Atlantic hurricane season occurs in 
     the period beginning June 1, 2007, and ending November 30, 
     2007;
       Whereas hurricanes are among the most powerful forces of 
     nature, causing destructive winds, tornadoes, floods, and 
     storm surges that can result in numerous fatalities and cost 
     billions of dollars in damage;
       Whereas, in 2005, a record-setting Atlantic hurricane 
     season caused 28 storms, including 15 hurricanes, of which 7 
     were major hurricanes, including Hurricanes Katrina, Rita, 
     and Wilma;
       Whereas the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration 
     reports that over 50 percent of the population of the United 
     States lives in coastal counties that are vulnerable to the 
     dangers of hurricanes;
       Whereas, because the impact from hurricanes extends well 
     beyond coastal areas, it is vital for individuals in 
     hurricane prone areas to prepare in advance of the hurricane 
     season;
       Whereas cooperation between individuals and Federal, State, 
     and local officials can help increase preparedness, save 
     lives, reduce the impact of each hurricane, and provide a 
     more effective response to those storms;
       Whereas the National Hurricane Center within the National 
     Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration of the Department of 
     Commerce recommends that each at-risk family of the United 
     States develop a family disaster plan, create a disaster 
     supply kit, secure their home, and stay aware of current 
     weather situations to improve preparedness and help save 
     lives; and
       Whereas the designation of the week beginning May 20, 2007, 
     as ``National Hurricane Preparedness Week'' will help raise 
     the awareness of the individuals of the United States to 
     assist them in preparing for the upcoming hurricane season: 
     Now, therefore, be it
       Resolved, That the Senate--
       (1) supports the goals of the President in proclaiming the 
     week beginning May 20, 2007, as ``National Hurricane 
     Preparedness Week'';
       (2) encourages the people of the United States--
       (A) to be prepared for the upcoming hurricane season; and
       (B) to promote awareness of the dangers of hurricanes to 
     help save lives and protect communities; and
       (3) recognizes--
       (A) the threats posed by hurricanes; and
       (B) the need for the individuals of the United States to 
     learn more about preparedness so that they may minimize the 
     impacts of, and provide a more effective response to, 
     hurricanes.

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