Political Quotes

“Mr. President, I join my colleague, Senator Lautenberg, and the others who have come to the Senate floor this afternoon to talk about the importance of getting help for people who have been hit by disasters. A little more than 2 weeks ago, Tropical Storm Irene came barreling through New Hampshire just as she came barreling through Vermont and New York and New Jersey and North Carolina and so many other States along the east coast. The storm dumped as much as 8 inches of rain in parts of New Hampshire, and the damage to property and infrastructure, especially in the northern part of our State, was significant. The surging waters and high winds destroyed roads and bridges, damaged thousands of homes, left nearly 200,000 without power, devastated businesses, and ruined crops. While the devastation was terrible, I wish to begin by commending those dedicated first responders and emergency personnel who kept our residents safe and well-informed throughout the storm. I am also grateful for the tireless work of road crews, utility workers, and volunteers from across New Hampshire who began helping families and communities rebuild just as soon as the storm passed. Their hard work and community spirit are deeply appreciated. For many of the towns hit by Irene, this is the third major flooding event of the year. It is the 7th in the last 2 years. These have been devastating floods.…”