Fallin Lauds Storm Recovery Effort Workers

Congresswoman Mary Fallin spoke on the House floor today to thank utility workers, volunteers, charities and others for their assistance during last week's ice storm and the recovery efforts since. The storm killed more than 20 people and left a large portion of the state without power.

Fallin’s remarks are below:

“Madam Speaker, as you know, this past week the state of Oklahoma experienced a severe ice storm that left over 600,000 homes and businesses without power or heat. As you can imagine, Oklahomans had a very challenging week.

“Today I would like to thank the people of Oklahoma for helping each other and commend the generous people and organizations that came to our aid.

“Since the disaster of the Murrah Federal Building in 1995, the people of my Great State are said to have created what is now known as “The Oklahoma Standard,” rallying to help each other in times of need. This was no exception.

“I thank Governor Brad Henry and President Bush for working together to ensure that we receive federal disaster relief.

“I would like to commend the state office of Emergency Management, FEMA representatives, and state Corporation Commission, who kept us informed and on track as power loss was reported and power was restored.

“I especially want to express my gratitude to the utility crews who worked tirelessly in their efforts to restore power, and I want to thank the hundreds of utility workers from other states who came to help. Thank you for leaving your homes and families to help Oklahoma.

“There are so many other organizations to thank, including churches, synagogues and charities. The Southern Baptist Convention, United Way of Central Oklahoma, the Salvation Army and the Red Cross, to name just a few, worked to provide food, shelter and other supplies, and all went beyond their usual call of duty to clear the road to recovery.

“I thank all of them, Madam Speaker, and I thank the resilient, wonderful people of Oklahoma who always come together to help each other and show the world 'The Oklahoma Standard.'"

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