[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 154 (2008), Part 10] [Senate] [Pages 13680-13681] [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]EXPRESSING CONDOLENCES TO THE VICTIMS OF THE TORNADO IN LITTLE SIOUX, IOWA Mr. DODD. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the Senate proceed to the immediate consideration of S. Res. 599 submitted earlier today. The PRESIDING OFFICER. The clerk will report the resolution by title. The legislative clerk read as follows: A resolution (S. Res. 599) expressing the condolences of the Senate to those affected by the tragic events following the tornado that hit Little Sioux Scout Ranch in Little Sioux, Iowa, on June 11, 2008. There being no objection, the Senate proceeded to consider the resolution. Mr. GRASSLEY. Mr. President, I am pleased to be an original cosponsor of this Senate resolution to pay tribute to the four boy scouts who lost their lives almost 2 weeks ago when a tornado struck Little Sioux Scout Ranch in western Iowa: Aaron Eilerts of Eagle Grove, Iowa and Sam Thomsen, Josh Fennen, and Ben Petrizilka of Omaha, Nebraska. I would like also to recognize the bravery and dedication of all the other scouts affected by this tragedy and of the emergency crews who responded. All of these remarkable young people had already established themselves as leaders in their community. The loss of four of them is a tragedy for Iowa and Nebraska. I would like in particular to express my condolences to the four families who have suffered such a devastating loss. My thoughts and prayers are with them at this difficult time. The Boy Scouts of America is an organization that never fails to exceed expectations. All the Scouts at Little Sioux Ranch that day kept their courage when all about them was chaos. Many of those who survived suffered considerable injuries. As the storm passed, the Boy Scouts immediately began to administer first aid to the injured and set to work to clear the roads, allowing the emergency crews to move in. In their bravery and resourcefulness, they did honor to Boy Scouts throughout the country. We are proud of them and humbled by their service. I am saddened that we must be here today at all offering this resolution, but I am honored to pay tribute to these young leaders, and I extend my deepest sympathy to all those affected by this tragedy. Mr. DODD. I ask unanimous consent that the resolution be agreed to, the preamble be agreed to, the motions to reconsider be laid upon the table with no intervening action or debate, and any statements related to the resolution be printed in the Record. The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered. The resolution (S. Res. 599) was agreed to. The preamble was agreed to. The resolution, with its preamble, reads as follows: S. Res. 599 Whereas, on the evening of June 11, 2008, a tornado struck the Little Sioux Scout Ranch in Little Sioux, Iowa; Whereas 4 lives were tragically lost, and many other people were injured; Whereas Boy Scouts and Boy Scout leaders at the camp showed great heroism and courage in providing aid and assistance to their fellow Scouts; Whereas the first responders, firefighters, and law enforcement, and medical personnel worked valiantly to help provide care and comfort to those who were injured; Whereas the Boy Scouts of America will continue to feel the loss and remember the courage of the Boy Scouts who were at the Little Sioux Scout Ranch the evening of June 11, 2008; Whereas the Boy Scouts of America will continue to develop young men who show the character, strength, and bravery that was demonstrated by the Boy Scouts at the Little Sioux Scout Ranch on the evening of June 11, 2008; and [[Page 13681]] Whereas the people of Nebraska and Iowa have embraced those affected and will continue to offer support to the families of those who were lost and injured; Now, therefore, be it: Resolved, That the Senate-- (1) expresses its heartfelt condolences to the families and friends of those who lost their lives in the terrible events of June 11, 2008, at the Little Sioux Scout Ranch in Little Sioux, Iowa: Sam Thomsen, Josh Fennen, and Ben Petrzilka of Omaha, Nebraska, and Aaron Eilerts of Eagle Grove, Iowa; (2) shares its thoughts and prayers for a full recovery for all those who were injured; (3) commends the Boy Scouts of America for the support the organization has provided to the families and friends of those who were lost and injured; (4) extends its thanks to the first responders, firefighters, and law enforcement, and medical personnel who took quick action to provide aid and comfort to the victims; and (5) stands with the people of Nebraska and Iowa as they begin the healing process following this terrible event. ____________________