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Congresswoman Suzan DelBene introduced a Congressional resolution to honor and remember the victims, their families and all those affected by the devastating landslide that occurred in Snohomish County earlier this year. The resolution (H. Res. 634) is cosponsored by the entire Washington state delegation.

“The landslide was a heartbreaking disaster that was unbelievably devastating in the damage and tragic loss of life it caused. But from this terrible tragedy, it’s been amazing and inspiring how the community has come together to help each other,” said DelBene. “This resolution is a way for the House to express the entire nation’s support and affirm its commitment to doing everything possible to ensure that resources are available to help the families affected and the entire community rebuild; and that we will never forget those that were lost in the slide. It’s going to be a slow, difficult process, but I’m confident that the communities of Oso, Darrington and Arlington will continue to work together and come through these difficult times stronger and closer than ever.”

The text of the resolution follows:

Expressing the condolences of the House of Representatives to the victims of the devastating landslide on March 22, 2014; Extending the thanks of those who took quick action to provide aid and comfort to the victims of the landslide; Commending the resiliency of the affected communities for their strength; and committing to provide the necessary resources and to stand by the people of the affected communities.

RESOLUTION

Expressing the condolences of the House of Representatives to the victims of the devastating landslide on March 22, 2014, commending the resiliency of the affected communities, and committing to stand by the people affected in the relief and recovery efforts.

Whereas on Saturday, March 22, 2014, a massive landslide near Oso, Washington, in Snohomish County, destroyed homes, damaged public infrastructure, and blocked the Stillaguamish River.

Whereas on March 22, 2014, the Washington Emergency Operations Center activated and Snohomish County, Washington and Washington state proclaimed a state of emergency.

Whereas on March 31, 2014, Governor Inslee requested a major disaster declaration.

Whereas on April 2, 2014, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) declared Snohomish County in the State of Washington, as well as the Sauk-Suiattle Indian Reservation, Stillaguamish Indian Reservation, and Tulalip Indian Reservation, as eligible for FEMA’s Public Assistance Program.

Whereas on April 2, 2014 President Obama declared Washington state in a state of major disaster and approved the request made by Governor Inslee for Federal disaster assistance;

Whereas 43 people have lost their lives, and many more were injured that day and in subsequent recovery and cleanup efforts.

Whereas, within a matter of seconds, 1.3 square miles of earthen material rushed down the mountainside, burying people in their homes under 40 feet of mud, turning cars into scrap metal, depositing hazardous material and other debris in the trees, river, and soil, and forever affecting the lives of thousands of people.

Whereas, in small rural towns such as Oso, Darrington, and Arlington, where this landslide occurred, the impact of a disaster reaches far beyond the number of individuals who lost a family member or whose property was destroyed.

Whereas the landslide engulfed 42 homes completely, and many more homes were damaged by flooding and debris.

Whereas crops such as hay, Christmas trees, pasture land, and dairies were damaged, and whereas sheep farms, and other livestock were lost;

Whereas this tragedy marks the third highest number of natural disaster related fatalities occurring in Washington state ever, and the deadliest landslide in its history;

Whereas the suffering and distress of these communities is ongoing, particularly for those who lost loved ones, homes, and livelihoods;

Whereas the local emergency responders, National Guard, FEMA, and many citizens from the affected communities have risked their lives to save others;

Whereas the first responders in the affected communities, and countless volunteers immediately came to the aid of those affected by the storms;

Whereas those in the community offered their homes, their time, and their unwavering support to those affected;

Whereas many tribes, businesses, faith-based organizations and other volunteer organizations and charities have supplied the victims of the tragedy generously with food, water, financial support, and shelter;

Whereas hundreds of volunteers and government employees from across the United States have committed time and resources to help with recovery efforts: Now, therefore, be it

Resolved, That the House--

1. Expresses the condolences of the House of Representatives to the victims of the devastating landslide on March 22, 2014;
2. Extends the thanks of the House to the first responders, firefighters, law enforcement personnel, volunteers, and medical personnel who took quick action to provide aid and comfort to the victims of the landslide;
3. Commends the resiliency of the affected communities for their strength;
4. Commits to provide the necessary resources and to stand by the people of the affected communities