Commending Resiliency of People of the State of Florida and Work of Individuals Who Assisted with Recovery Efforts After Hurricanes Charley, Frances, and Ivan

Floor Speech

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Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.

Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to join with my colleague from Florida (Mr. Mica) in consideration of H. Res. 784 which commends the resiliency of the people of Florida and the work of those individuals who have assisted with the recovery efforts after the devastation caused by Hurricanes Charley, Frances and Ivan.

As residents of Florida return to their homes to rebuild their lives and communities, they demonstrate the very resilient character of the American people. It is impossible to know why we Americans embody this characteristic. Perhaps it has been passed down to us from our ancestors who survived the most difficult of circumstances upon their arrival here. They were tested fiercely, and we as Americans find ourselves tested again and again. But rather than back down from these challenges, it seems that we are at our finest during times of difficulty and in times of crisis. Our spirit is resolute, our generosity is seemingly boundless, and our determination is unyielding.

The devastation caused by Hurricanes Charley, Frances and Ivan, not to mention Jeanne, have left many people in Florida to repair damaged homes or to rebuild their lives. Despite the frustration and sadness they feel, the residents of Florida have proven to us once again that they can prevail over tragedy and hardship by working together. Whether a family member lends shelter and food to another family member in need or a neighbor helps another salvage keepsakes from a destroyed home, or a person offers a bottle of water or the use of a phone to a stranger, the people of Florida are bravely doing what is necessary to help one another get through this tragedy.

We Americans can be proud of the people of Florida, so I am pleased to join my colleague as we offer words of support, words of comfort and words to know that no matter how difficult the circumstances, Florida will continue to rise and rise and rise again.

Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

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