Extreme Weather

Floor Speech

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Mr. MRVAN. Mr. Speaker, in August, a devastating derecho ripped through Lake, Porter, and LaPorte Counties, devastating neighborhoods from Gary to Portage from Lowell to LaPorte to Highland and Munster to the smallest communities across northwest Indiana.

I worked with all the mayors and elected officials across our region, stood with Governor Braun and FEMA administrators to make sure that we were able to respond, and I can tell you, our community responded with the character that northwest Indiana is known for.

Our first responders and local elected leaders went above and beyond, worked around the clock to help their neighbors--volunteers from our churches, union linemen and -women, National Guard members, and countless volunteers who showed up when we needed them most.

I recognize Senator Jim Banks for his partnership in making sure Washington heard the urgency of our crisis and stood with us during the recovery and allowed us to get the resources we need.

The grit and resilience of northwest Indiana in those weeks showed who we are, but we have also moved from patience to accountability. I have instructed my staff to request an inquiry into utility preparedness and infrastructure investment. Our region deserves answers, and we will do everything in our power to protect northwest Indiana so they will never have to go through this again.

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