[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 157 (2011), Part 6]
[House]
[Page 8557]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                        MISSOURI RIVER FLOODING

  (Mrs. NOEM asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 
minute.)
  Mrs. NOEM. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to empathize and to stand with 
those in my home State of South Dakota who are experiencing flooding 
along the Missouri River. Up and down the Missouri River, people 
continue to hope for the best and to prepare for the worst as 
floodwaters continue to rise, and are going to rise, to record levels 
over the coming days and weeks.
  I was in our State capital of Pierre and in the Fort Pierre area this 
past weekend with residents helping sandbag with my family and 
surveying the looming damage. While the forecasts for flooding grow 
grim, neighbors continue to help neighbors, and an unshakeable sense of 
community remains strong. I also commend the hard work of the South 
Dakota National Guard for swiftly responding to the call of those that 
are in need.
  Many of those affected have worked tirelessly over the past week on 
short notice to protect their homes. Even so, thousands could be 
displaced for months until the water recedes, not knowing if they'll 
even have a home they can go back to.
  Mr. Speaker, I would ask that our thoughts and that our prayers would 
be with all of those who have been affected by these floodings and 
natural disasters in South Dakota and across our great country.

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