Recognizing and honoring the firefighters, police, public servants, civilians, and private businesses who responded to the devastating fire in Richmond, Virginia, on March 26, 2004.

Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution (H. Res.

612) recognizing and honoring the firefighters, police, public servants, civilians, and private businesses who responded to the devastating fire in Richmond, Virginia, on March 26, 2004, as amended.

Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days within which to revise and extend their remarks on House Resolution 612.

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

Mr. Speaker, House Resolution 612 recognizes those who responded to the tremendous fire in downtown Richmond, Virginia, on March 26, 2004. On that day, a colossal fire ripped through Richmond and the Virginia Commonwealth University campus area as well. The wind-fueled blaze damned more than 30 buildings in the downtown Richmond area and several more buildings, and about 50 nearby homes were evacuated. Fortunately, no one was killed, and there were only a handful of reports of minor injuries. This resolution commends those citizens in the Richmond area who helped to minimize the effects of this terrible fire.

Mr. Speaker, our Nation's first responders provide an invaluable and largely thankless service, sometimes, to many of our citizens. The scene in Richmond on March 26 and the days that followed proved a stirring testament to that fact. Firefighters from Richmond and several neighboring counties rallied to extinguish the incredible fire. Law enforcement officers went door to door insisting that residents leave their homes. Many members of the downtown workforce, private organizations, and just your everyday average citizens helped to protect lives and defend property to limit the damage and the loss from the blaze.

Mr. Speaker, I want to recognize the distinguished gentleman from Virginia (Mr. Cantor) for his work on House Resolution 612. And on behalf of the gentleman from Virginia and all the Members of this House, I want to thank the firefighters, the police, the businesses, organizations, civilians, and others who aided residents affected by the fire on March 26, 2004.

But even beyond the fine men and women from Richmond, Virginia, I want to thank all emergency responders across the country who protect every one of us every day. First responders routinely put their lives at risk to promote the general welfare of all Americans. I am pleased that the consideration of this resolution gives us a chance to praise medical services personnel, firefighters, law enforcement officials, as well as others who serve and protect all of us each and every day, and I urge support for this important resolution.

Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as he may consume to my distinguished colleague, the gentleman from the great State of Virginia (Mr. Cantor), who authorized House Resolution 612.

Mr. Speaker, I urge adoption of H. Res. 612, as amended; and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, on that I demand the yeas and nays.

Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentlewoman from Michigan and the gentleman from Illinois for their leadership in bringing this resolution to the floor.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and honor the brave firefighters, police, public servants, civilians, and private businesses that responded to the devastating fire in Richmond, Virginia, on March 26, 2004.

Our brave firefighters and first responders routinely risk their lives to save others, and some sacrifice their lives in the line of duty. The history of our great Nation has been marked with the heroic efforts of valiant individuals and organizations exhibiting resilience and courage as they combat dangerous fires and deal with their scorched aftermath.

Each year, fire kills more Americans than all other natural disasters combined. In order to lessen the death toll, all Americans must work together for the common goal of fire prevention, fire use, and fire suppression. The valiant firefighters, police, public servants, and civilians who protect the Richmond region have added their story to our Nation's history of selfless acts.

On March 26 of this year, the Carver community of Richmond, the City of Richmond, and Virginia Commonwealth University experienced a devastating fire which resulted in the destruction of numerous buildings and property. During the course of the day, strong winds quickly spread the fire through several city blocks and a section of the Virginia Commonwealth

University campus. The local firefighters, who initially answered the call, were later assisted by countless others from fire stations throughout the region. These units joined together to defeat the blaze and fight the challenging wind, smoke, and heat conditions. Their efforts prevented further destruction and helped protect innocent lives from being lost.

These firefighters were not alone that day, as public, private, and civic organizations worked as a seamless team preserving and protecting human lives, defending property, and providing food and comfort to all those affected. All of these organizations met their community's call to duty by providing brave and steadfast assistance to our community. They stand as a symbol to all who give of themselves in an effort to better our Nation and uphold the finest traditions of the Commonwealth of Virginia.

In closing, I am proud to recognize and honor the firefighters, police, public servants, civilians, and private businesses who responded to the devastating fire in Richmond on March 26, 2004, and commend them for their dedicated service to the people of the Commonwealth of Virginia and urge passage of House Resolution 612.

I rise today in support of H. Res. 612, introduced by my colleague from Virginia, Mr. Cantor.

On March 26, 2004, there were a series of devastating fires in Richmond, Virginia. The

first fire began shortly after 12:30, and spread quickly. Wind gusting to nearly 20 mph blew burning debris onto other buildings.

The fires resulted in the destruction of numerous buildings and property, and spread through city blocks and a section of the Virginia Commonwealth University campus. A total of 29 buildings suffered damage, with 19 being condemned by either water or structural damage. Yet, the destruction and damage could certainly have been worse. It was only through the combined efforts of the firefighters who responded to the scene that the fire was contained as quickly as it was. Local firefighters who initially answered the call were later assisted by firefighters from fire stations throughout the region. There were about 200 firefighters on the scene, along with 50 pieces of equipment. Together, they worked to defeat the blaze--and fought the challenging wind, smoke and heat conditions in order to save the remaining area. We thank them today for their heroic efforts to contain the damage and to protect human lives.

It is appropriate for us to also recognize the efforts of the police on March 26th. As always, they were instrumental in keeping our citizens safe. For example, they evacuated several buildings and about 50 nearby homes, going door to door.

And last, today, we recognize the countless private citizens, volunteers and organizations that--along with the firefighters, police, and public servants--worked as a seamless team preserving and protecting human lives, defending property, and providing food and comfort to all affected.

All of these individuals deserve our recognition, and our gratitude. They met their community's call to duty by providing brave and steadfast assistance and upholding the finest traditions of the Commonwealth of Virginia. We, and all Americans, thank you for your supreme efforts.

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

Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to join with my colleague from Michigan in consideration of H. Res. 612, recognizing and honoring firefighters, police, public servants, civilians, and private businesses who responded to the devastating fire in Richmond, Virginia, on March 26, 2004.

Mr. Speaker, far too often we, as Americans, overlook or take for granted the truly courageous risks that the men and women of our police and fire departments take to save the lives of others. I am pleased that we take time today to recognize and to honor the firefighters and police, as well as the public servants, civilians, and private businesses, who responded in the face of grave danger to a devastating fire in Richmond, Virginia, on March 26, 2004.

On March 26, 2004, a series of fires, fueled by strong winds, erupted in downtown Richmond. This potentially deadly blaze forced hundreds of students at Virginia Commonwealth University from their dorm rooms and prompted city officials to declare the region a disaster area. By the time the fire was extinguished, it had destroyed six buildings and had seriously damaged 12 others.

Despite the enormity of this threat, no serious injuries were reported. This was due in large part to the quick reaction of the fire and police departments, as well as local public servants, civilians, and private businesses which all worked together to control the dangerous blaze. According to the City of Richmond's Assistant Fire Marshal, the fire could have been much worse. However, the selfless actions of the police and fire department and others turned a life- threatening disaster into a miracle.

Again, Mr. Speaker, I commend all of those who joined together in this great spirit of cooperation to save not only property but countless lives. I commend the gentleman for introducing this legislation and urge its passage.

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

Mr. Speaker, on June 1 and 2, 2004, this Member unavoidably missed nine rollcall votes due to official business serving as president of the NATO Parliamentary Assembly. On the following eight votes, this Member would have voted ``aye,'' had he been present. The eight votes were:

(1) Rollcall No. 210, passage of H. Con. Res. 295, a resolution congratulating the Focus: HOPE program on its 35th anniversary;

(2) Rollcall No. 211, passage of H. Res. 612, a resolution recognizing and honoring the firefighters, police, public servants, civilians, and private businesses who responded to the devastating fire in Richmond, Va., on March 26, 2004;

(3) Rollcall No. 212, passage of H. Con. Res. 417, a resolution honoring the Tuskegee Airman and their contribution in integrating the United States Air Force;

(4) Rollcall No. 213, ordering the previous question on H. Res. 657, the rule for consideration of H.J. Res. 83, which proposes a constitutional amendment regarding the appointment of individuals to fill vacancies in the House of Representatives.

(5) Rollcall No. 214, passage of H. Res. 657, the rule for H.J. Res. 83.

(6) Rollcall No. 215, ordering the previous question on H. Res. 656, the rule for the consideration of H.R. 444, the Back to Work Incentive Act.

(7) Rollcall No. 216, passage of the Pryce amendment to H. Res. 656.

(8) Rollcall No. 217, passage of H. Res. 656, the rule for H.R. 444.

On Rollcall No. 218, a motion to recommit H.J. Res. 83 with instructions, this Member would have voted ``no'' had he been present.