A resolution commending the heroic efforts of the people fighting the floods in North Dakota.

Whereas 47 of the 53 counties in North Dakota have been declared Federal disaster areas;

Whereas wide swaths of North Dakota have faced unprecedented flooding crises, including cities along the Des Lacs, Heart, James, Knife, Missouri, Little Missouri, Park, Pembina, Red, Sheyenne, Souris, and Wild Rice Rivers and Beaver Creek;

Whereas the people of North Dakota have suffered tremendous damage to their homes, livelihoods, and communities;

Whereas the ranchers of North Dakota are estimated to have lost nearly 100,000 head of livestock;

Whereas many of the roads and bridges, and much of the other infrastructure, in North Dakota are in need of repair;

Whereas, despite terrible conditions, the people of North Dakota have shown the strength of their shared bond, coming together in large numbers to save their cities, towns, businesses, farms, and ranches;

Whereas stories of exceptional efforts abound, from people filling millions of sandbags on short notice, to people saving lives and effecting rapid emergency evacuations;

Whereas Federal, State, and local officials have provided outstanding leadership and effective service throughout the crisis in North Dakota; and

Whereas the response of the people of North Dakota to the disaster has shown the world how communities can unite, fight, and win in a crisis: Now, therefore, be it