Authorizing Additional Funds for Emergency Repairs and Reconstruction of Interstate I-35 Bridge in Minneapolis, Minnesota

Floor Speech

AUTHORIZING ADDITIONAL FUNDS FOR EMERGENCY REPAIRS AND RECONSTRUCTION OF INTERSTATE I-35 BRIDGE IN MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA -- (House of Representatives - August 03, 2007)

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Ms. McCOLLUM of Minnesota. Mr. Speaker, Mr. Chair, 2 days ago my daughter did have a best friend who was crossing the Mississippi River. She crossed long before the bridge collapsed. Only 2 days ago the world witnessed the collapse of a massive bridge that crosses the Mississippi River, America's heartland.

The world is now witnessing America's heroism, our first responders, our community leaders, and all of our citizens coming together to rescue victims, to heal the injured, and to mourn those lost. As of today, we know more than 130 people have been treated for injuries, 5 individuals have lost their lives, including 2 of my constituents.

I would like to extend my deepest sympathies to the families of the known victims: Sherry Lou Engebretsen of Shoreview, Patrick Holmes of Mounds View, Julia Blackhawk of Savage, and Artemeeo Trinidad-Meena of Minneapolis.

Minneapolis and my home of St. Paul, we are the Twin Cities. Together our cities are united, along with all of our surrounding communities, in responding to this disaster and addressing the massive redistribution of traffic to meet the needs of commuters and businesses as a result of the bridge collapse.

My dear friend from Minneapolis, Congressman Keith Ellison, has my full support as our communities work together to heal and rebuild. The people of Minneapolis are fortunate to have Congressman Ellison working for them, and we are all proud to stand with him, as his constituents are.

Minnesota is also blessed to have Chairman Oberstar leading the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee in the House. Chairman Oberstar is leading this bill and will lead our Nation forward.

Minnesotans are facing the pain, the loss, and the immense transportation challenges resulting from this bridge collapse. But every American in every State now feels an unavoidable fear about everyday risks. This week the phrase ``structurally deficient'' became part of our Nation's vocabulary. This week millions of Americans use bridges that have been deemed structurally deficient or, even worse, functionally obsolete. Imagine trusting your family's safety and well-being to a bridge that is ``functionally obsolete.''

American families should not have to worry about this. Passage of this bill will do one small step in rebuilding and uniting a community and a State, but we must make sure that every American family feels safe.

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