Rod Grams: “as you know, over the past several weeks, towns and farms in Minnesota, North Dakota and South Dakota have been battered…”

“as you know, over the past several weeks, towns and farms in Minnesota, North Dakota and South Dakota have been battered by the floodwaters of the Red River. It is impossible to describe the devastation that the flooded Red River is causing in Minnesota and North Dakota, because the enormity of the damage, so far, is far beyond what anyone has ever put into words. The lives of those who live in the flooded areas have been shattered. Entire communities--homes, schools, churches, hospitals, libraries-- have literally been washed away. Thousands of residents have no home to go to, so they crowd into shelters, unsure yet of what the river will leave behind when it finally releases its hold. Many cannot sleep because there is so much uncertainty. They cannot bathe because there is no running water. They cannot make plans because there are so many unanswered questions. Mr. President, I have been working with the Governor of Minnesota and my fellow Senators in the flood area to assess how to address the needs of these deserving people.”