Ms. Eddie Bernice Johnson of Texas

Congressional Record Statment

 Regarding North Texas Contributions Towards Hurricane Relief Efforts

September 15, 2005

Mr. Speaker I rise today to recognize and commend the compassionate contributions of North Texans towards the hurricane relief efforts. During the past two weeks, televisions across the nation have brought into our living rooms images of the terrible destruction and suffering caused by Hurricane Katrina. Obviously our hearts ache at seeing our fellow Americans in desperate need, struggling at first just to survive, and now beginning to put their lives back together, one piece at a time. This desperation and despair, however, has not gone unanswered. Americans have come together in the past weeks, giving new meaning to the word "community” and the North Texas community has been a leader in this endeavor.

The City of Dallas and the surrounding areas have served as models of compassion, generosity, and leadership as North Texas has welcomed thousands who have been so tragically displaced by the hurricane into our neighborhoods and communities.  So many sectors have given so selflessly of their time and resources to those in desperate need: city and county administrations, transit agencies, faith-based institutions, educational institutions, labor unions, private and non-profit sector entities, and regular citizens have answered humanity’s greatest call.     

The American Red Cross in North Texas has come to the aid of thousands of evacuees in Dallas, providing much needed meals and beds. Volunteers at the Call Center of the Dallas Emergency Operations Center have fielded thousands of calls, helping to organize this massive relief effort. Transportation has been generously provided by Dallas Area Rapid Transit, who have distributed over 3500 transit passes to evacuees, and the Dallas Water Utilities Distribution Division has assisted by providing pallets and personnel at the Dallas Convention Center.

The area’s first responders have acted with bravery and selflessness. The Dallas Police Department has committed over 300 officers to support evacuee operations. The Texas State Guard has provided invaluable medical and shelter management services, deploying over 250 guardsmen to the Convention Center and Reunion Arena shelters alone.  Fire Rescue and EMS personnel have lent their expertise to the relief effort at shelters throughout Dallas, and nearly two thousand patients have been served.

The Surgeon General of the United States, Richard Carmona, has described medical operations in Dallas as "nothing short of astounding," and Mr. Justo Hernandez, the coordinating officer on site with the Federal Emergency Management Agency, has reported that, in his 17 years of service with the agency, FEMA has never been as well received as it has in Dallas.  Louisiana State Representative Derrick Shepherd described the effort as a “first-class administration of a difficult administration” and New Orleans Mayor Ray Nagin stated, “People are doing great work everywhere in Texas”.

Clearly, world renowned Texas hospitality has lived up to its reputation. The spirit of the North Texas community is strong and kind, and I commend all North Texans who have contributed toward the restoration of hope for their fellow man.