Legislative Bulletin…………………………….…October 30, 2007
H.Res. 778 — Recognizing and honoring the heroic service, actions, and sacrifices of first responders, National Guardsmen, volunteers, and others who participated in responding to the outbreak of wildfires in Southern California and to express full support to and solidarity with the state of California
H.Res. 778 — Recognizing and honoring the heroic service, actions, and sacrifices of first responders, National Guardsmen, volunteers, and others who participated in responding to the outbreak of wildfires in Southern California and to express full support to and solidarity with the state of California (Lundgren, R-CA)
Order of Business: H.Res. 778 is scheduled to be considered on Tuesday, October 30, 2007, under a motion to suspend the rules and pass the resolution.
Summary: H.Res. 778 would express the sense that the House:
- “recognizes and honors the heroic service, actions, and sacrifices of first responders, National Guardsmen, and law enforcement personnel, state and local officials, volunteers, and others who participated in responding to the October 21, 2007 outbreak of wildfires in Southern California;
- “expresses its commitment to the residents of Southern California as they begin to rebuild their community and their lives; and
- “vows its full support to and solidarity with the state of California.”
The resolution lists the following findings:
- “beginning on October 21, 2007, Southern California experienced a number of devastating wildfires destroying over four-hundred-thousand acres - the largest in the history of California - and over fourteen-hundred homes and countless other properties;
- “high temperatures and erratic winds caused the multiple fires to rapidly progress in the counties of Ventura, Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, Santa Barbara, San Bernardino, and San Diego;
- “loss of life and serious injuries have resulted from the fires;
- “approximately one million residents of Southern California have been forced to evacuate their homes and businesses due to the fires;
- “the effect of the wildfires on Southern California families and businesses is still being felt;
- “thousands of firefighters from California and neighboring states and countries continue to respond to the fires, risking health and safety and exhibiting resilience and courage to rescue residents and fight the blazes;
- “over 2,500 National Guardsmen and other active duty military personnel are actively engaged in supporting firefighters and relief operations;
- “additional emergency personnel, such as law enforcement and medical additional emergency personnel, have coordinated with local authorities and firefighters and have performed beyond the call of duty in the preservation and protection of human lives;
- “hundreds of volunteers took time from their daily lives to help ensure that evacuated families are sheltered, clothed, fed, and emotionally comforted through this traumatic event;
- “it is clear that the continued commitment and heroism exhibited by firefighters have saved countless lives, homes, and businesses;
- “the people of California and the nation recognize that the dedication of firefighters will remain steadfast throughout the ongoing efforts; and
- “a major federal disaster declaration was issued on October 24, 2007.”
Committee Action: H.Res. 778 is expected to be introduced on October 30, 2007.
Cost to Taxpayers: The resolution authorizes no expenditure.
Does the Bill Expand the Size and Scope of the Federal Government? No.
Does the Bill Contain Any New State-Government, Local-Government, or Private-Sector Mandates? No.
RSC Staff Contact: Andy Koenig; andy.koenig@mail.house.gov; 202-226-9717.