STATEMENT OF REP. JIM RAMSTAD BEFORE THE U.S. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES ON THE I-35W BRIDGE COLLAPSE

 

Mr. Speaker, I thank Chairman Oberstar for yielding.

I speak with tremendous sadness and grief about an awful tragedy that took place this evening in Minnesota.

Full details on the tragedy are sketchy. But we know that at approximately 6:10 pm Minnesota time -- during the midst of evening rush hour -- a bridge on Interstate Highway 35W in downtown Minneapolis collapsed, causing at least 40 cars to fall into the Mississippi River.

At least 3 people are confirmed dead, and a number of others have been hospitalized at the nearby Hennepin County Medical Center and other local hospitals. Rescue operations are still underway at this late hour.

The Minnesota Congressional delegation has already met and pledged our total support to obtain whatever federal assistance is needed.

In addition, on behalf of Governor Pawlenty, I want to offer the gratitude of all Minnesotans to Speaker Pelosi, who has already pledged her “full support for any federal assistance” our state needs to address this Bridge disaster.

I also want to pay tribute to the “first responders” -- the fire departments, police departments and emergency medical teams – who have performed heroic rescue duties. All departments in the seven county metro area have responded.

Our thoughts and prayers are with the families of those affected by this horrible disaster. We will continue to monitor the situation closely, and we ask all Americans to pray for the victims, the survivors and their families.

 

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