Smith on House Floor: Nebraskans are Resilient

Today, during a speech on the House floor, Congressman Adrian Smith (NE-03) asked his colleagues to join him in praying for all Nebraskans as they battle the worst wildfire crisis in state history.

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During his remarks, Smith highlighted the devastation of over 826,000 acres burned as efforts to contain the fires continue. He reaffirmed the support of the entire Nebraska federal delegation and encouraged impacted producers to document their losses to ensure that they receive all the disaster assistance for which they are eligible.

Additionally, Smith called on Senate Democrats to end their political games and vote to reopen the Department of Homeland Security so future FEMA disaster relief funding and other vital programs are not put at risk.

Following is a transcript of Smith's remarks as prepared for delivery:

Mr. Speaker,

I rise today to ask my colleagues to join me in keeping the people of Nebraska in your thoughts and prayers as our state confronts the worst wildfire crisis in our history.

Nebraska has always been defined by resilience. From the pioneers who endured brutal blizzards, devastating droughts, and an uncertain future to build a life on the Great Plains, to the families who call it home today-that spirit has never left us. It is who we are.

And today, that spirit is being tested once again.

On March 12th, four fires ignited across central and western Nebraska. In less than a week, they have burned over 826,000 acres and there is still no clear end in sight.

This past weekend, I joined Governor Pillen and Senator Ricketts to tour the affected areas and meet with local officials to learn about the latest containment efforts. What I saw and heard was sobering.

The scale of this devastation is staggering.

Across 10 counties, no less than 46 structures have been destroyed-470 more threatened, at least 600 Nebraskans have had to evacuate their homes, and one Nebraskan, Rose White of Arthur, has lost her life. I want to take a moment to offer my heartfelt condolences to her children, grandchildren, great grandchildren, and all who knew and loved her.

Right now, these fires continue to burn, and Mother Nature is not predicted to be of assistance anytime soon.

The Morrill Fire, now the largest wildfire in Nebraska's history, has already burned more than 643,000 acres and is only 16 percent contained. The Cottonwood Fire has taken over 131,000 acres and is just 40 percent contained. The Road 203 Fire has burned more than 35,000 acres and is only 36 percent contained, and the Anderson Bridge Fire has burned up to 17,000 acres and is 60 percent contained.

And yet, even in the face of this disaster, Nebraskans are doing what we have always done: coming together.

Neighbors are helping neighbors, unaffected communities across our state are sending their support, and a countless number of brave volunteer firefighters and first responders continue to work around the clock, putting everything on the line to protect lives, land, and livelihoods.

Governor Pillen has deployed the Nebraska National Guard and Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds has sent Iowa National Guard helicopters with Bambi buckets and crews trained for firefighting operations to assist these efforts.

This is what it means to look out for one another. And while this fight is far from over, we must remember what is at stake. Agriculture is the backbone of Nebraska's economy and a way of life for countless families. These fires are not just burning land; they are threatening livelihoods.

Heading into the summer, it is expected that more than 35,000 head of cattle will be without grass this grazing season. Tens of millions of dollars' worth of fences and other crucial infrastructure have been lost.

This means, for many producers, the hardship will continue long after these fires are contained.

To those producers, I want to say: when it is safe, please document your losses. Federal disaster assistance programs are available, and I want to ensure that you receive the support you are eligible for.

I also want to take a moment to be honest about what's happening here in Washington. While Nebraska is battling the worst wildfire in our state's history, Senate Democrats are continuing to hold funding for the Department of Homeland Security hostage-putting future FEMA disaster relief funding at risk. Enough is enough, disaster relief and other vital programs should never be used as a political pawn.

To all Nebraskans: know that you have the full support of the entire federal Nebraska delegation and we stand ready to help in any way we can. We've faced tough times before. And we've always come through them-stronger, together. We'll do that again now, because that's who we are as Nebraskans.