[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 158 (2012), Part 11]
[House]
[Page 15321]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




     MOMENT OF SILENCE IN REMEMBRANCE OF VICTIMS OF HURRICANE SANDY

  (Mr. CROWLEY asked and was given permission to address the House for 
1 minute.)
  Mr. CROWLEY. Thank you to all of my colleagues from the Northeast who 
stand with us today. I want to particularly thank my colleague from New 
York (Mr. Turner) for helping to arrange this bipartisan moment of 
support and to demonstrate to our country how we should all come 
together at a time of crisis.
  This storm, known as Sandy, was utterly devastating, not only to 
property and to homes but to families, communities and neighborhoods--
entire neighborhoods. Our hearts are with those in places like City 
Island, Edgewater and Locust Point, which is in my district in the 
Bronx, for those in lower Manhattan, Staten Island, Hoboken, coastal 
New Jersey, Fairfield County, parts of Philadelphia, and other parts 
that were affected by this horrific storm.
  For many, recovery has already begun; but as they begin to piece 
their lives and their communities back together, they need a united 
Congress behind that effort. For others, the rebuilding has not yet 
begun as they still wait more than 2 weeks for power and fuel to be 
restored to them. For far too many, we grieve at the ultimate loss--
precious men, women and, yes, children who are no longer with us as a 
result of this storm.
  Lastly, we must acknowledge the constant heartfelt support from all 
of our public servants, including all the firefighters and volunteer 
fire departments, the police departments, the National Guard, FEMA, and 
particularly our sanitation workers, who are cleaning the mounds of 
sand and debris from people's homes. We continue to learn of incredible 
heroic acts that are moving but that are in keeping with the best of 
America's traditions.
  I also want to point out that my mother's hometown of Rockaway Beach 
was devastated by this storm and, particularly, a community known as 
Breezy Point, where our good friend and our colleague Bob Turner lost 
his entire home. It burned to the ground.
  Please join me in keeping all of those we have lost in your thoughts 
and prayers, and remember them in the weeks and the months ahead as 
they begin to rebuild their lives.
  I now yield to my colleague, my friend from New York, Bob Turner.
  Mr. TURNER of New York. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize those who 
lost their homes, livelihoods and, most tragically, their lives during 
the most devastating storm ever to hit the Northeast. For the heroic 
efforts of New York's police, fire department and sanitation workers, 
who were on the scene immediately, forsaking their own personal 
interests and safety, and for all of those affected by the hurricane, I 
ask that the House stand and engage in a moment of silence.

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