Put Aside Politics for Disaster Relief

Floor Speech

Mr. LARSON of Connecticut. Mr. Speaker, our hearts go out to the people of Oklahoma and our colleague, Representative Tom Cole, whose district has been devastated by the latest catastrophe that has befallen our country.

I recall the great courage of Tom Cole on this floor and in his conference, putting aside politics and ideology and voting for relief after Hurricane Sandy. As the death toll rises and the search and rescue valiantly continues, let us not just offer our prayers, as much as they are needed and welcomed, but let us act as united citizens and send, with all due speed, relief for the people of Oklahoma.

Disasters and tragedies should never be about ideology or politics or geographic locale. When Americans are in need of help, this Congress needs to respond. That is who we are as a people. That's what leads us to become a more perfect union.

Any American befallen by tragedy or national disaster needs the assistance of their Nation and their fellow Americans. Let us act in this Congress before we leave. Before we go on an extended break, let us take action on behalf of the citizens of Oklahoma.

Let us put aside and let us damn politics and ideology and act on behalf of the American people and these people of Oklahoma who are enduring so much through this natural disaster.

God bless America.

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