Al Franken: “I would like to take a moment to recognize that today is the fifth anniversary of a tragedy in my home State--the…”

“I would like to take a moment to recognize that today is the fifth anniversary of a tragedy in my home State--the collapse of the I-35W bridge in Minneapolis. The collapse killed 13 people and injured 145 others. That collapse was a shock to Minnesotans and to the country. How could a bridge on our Interstate Highway System collapse? It underscores the importance, of course, of investing in our infrastructure. We did move quickly to replace the bridge--and it is a beautiful bridge--thanks to the leadership of Senator Klobuchar and others. I wish to say a few words about the response by the people and the first responders in Minneapolis and the metropolitan area. It was amazing. All the first responders had interoperable radio signals. People in Minneapolis ran to the bridge to help. People did heroic things. I am very proud of Minnesota. I am proud of Mayor Rybak and the response of other first responders in the metropolitan area. I am so proud to represent Minnesota. My heart goes out to the families of those who perished that day and also to their loved ones and their friends and also to the survivors who are still recovering in so many different ways. I urge my colleagues not to forget that day. We need to invest in our infrastructure to make sure this doesn't happen again. Mr. President, I yield the floor. The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Senator from New York.”