[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 158 (2012), Part 3]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 4039]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




 EXPRESSING CONDOLENCES TO THE VICTIMS OF THE RECENT TORNADOES IN THE 
                           MIDWEST AND SOUTH

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                         HON. ALCEE L. HASTINGS

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, March 22, 2012

  Mr. HASTINGS of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I rise to express my heartfelt 
sympathy for the people who have been struck by the recent tornadoes in 
the Midwest and South. These disasters have caused the deaths of more 
than 30 people in five States and left several communities in need of 
support, including volunteers, food, clothing, and monetary 
contributions. Although we will be able to rebuild these communities, 
we can never replace the lives lost, and my thoughts and prayers are 
with those families today.
  These disasters are a reminder that the needs of relief and recovery 
efforts are constant. When disasters--be they hurricanes, earthquakes, 
fires, floods, or tornadoes--wreck entire communities and drive whole 
families from their homes, rapid and generous outside assistance is 
essential to preserving lives and property. I hope that we can learn 
from this disaster--and other recent natural disasters around the 
country--that we need to better coordinate and find Federal disaster 
relief efforts.
  Mr. Speaker, I once again extend my deepest sympathies to the people 
who have been affected by these tornadoes. I urge all the appropriate 
Federal agencies to ensure that these communities receive the help they 
need.

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