(Washington,
D.C.) – Today, U.S. Senators Patty Murray (D-WA) and Maria Cantwell (D-WA)
introduced a Senate resolution recognizing the one-year anniversary on April 2,
2011 of the tragic explosion at the Tesoro refinery in Anacortes, Washington
that claimed the lives of seven workers. The resolution expresses the Senate’s
condolences to the family, loved ones, co-workers, and the Anacortes community,
and it honors those who lost their lives. The resolution is expected to pass
the Senate by unanimous consent.
“I am proud to introduce a
Senate resolution with my colleague Senator Cantwell to recognize the
anniversary of this tragedy on April 2, 2011. And I urge my colleagues to
join me in remembering those workers in Anacortes who were taken from us far
too soon,” said Senator Murray on the Senate floor today. “Even now, one
year later, there is nothing we can say to make the pain go away for the
mothers and fathers, son and daughters, co-workers and family members who still
bear those deep scars of loss. But the Anacortes community is strong. And while
they have endured more than their fair share of pain over the years, their
resiliency and compassion have carried them forward.”
“I join my colleague,
Senator Murray, in honoring the seven refinery workers who lost their lives at
this tragic event one year ago, and in expressing sincere condolences to their
families, loved ones, friends, and the entire Anacortes community,” said Senator
Cantwell. “This horrific, preventable accident resulted in a
much-needed review of workplace safety. We will continue working to ensure the
toughest procedures are in place to prevent future tragedies from happening.”
Senator
Murray spoke on the Senate floor earlier today to mark the anniversary. – Watch Video
The
full text of her speech follows.
“Mr.
President, I come to the floor today to mark the one year anniversary of a
terrible tragedy in my home state of Washington—and to once again honor the
memories of those who were killed.
“On
April 2nd, 2010, a fire broke out at the Tesoro refinery in
Anacortes, Washington—and claimed the lives of 7 workers: Daniel J. Aldridge, Matthew C. Bowen, Donna Van Dreumel,
Matt Gumbel, Darrin J. Hoines, Lew Janz, and Kathryn Powell.
“These were men and women
who were taken too young—with so much life to live, and with so many people to
live it with.
“Workers who took on tough
jobs, worked long hours, during difficult economic times— to provide for their
families.
“They were people who made
tremendous sacrifices and who embodied so much of what is good about the
community they lived in. And Mr. President—they have been dearly missed.
“Even now, one year later,
there is nothing we can say to make the pain go away for the mothers and
fathers, son and daughters, co-workers and family members—who still bear those
deep scars of loss.
“But Mr. President, the
Anacortes community is strong. And while they have endured more than their fair
share of pain over the years—their resiliency and compassion have carried them
forward.
“Over the past year we
have seen homes, hearts, and pocketbooks open to the families who have lost so
much.
“Because this community
understands the pain of a loss like this can’t be overcome or forgotten. And
they know these families should never have to bear that pain alone.
“So Mr. President, we owe
it to the Anacortes community to honor those they have lost.And we owe it to
them to do everything we can to make sure tragedies like this don’t happen
again.
“State investigators have
determined that this tragedy could have been—and should have been— prevented.
The problems that led to what happened were known beforehand—and they should
have been fixed. And that is just heartbreaking.
“Every worker—in every
industry—deserves to be confident that while they are working hard and doing
their jobs, their employers are doing everything they can to protect them.
“So I am going to keep
working to make sure the oil and gas industry improves their safety practices.
“Because we owe that to
our workers, to their families, and to communities like Anacortes all across
the country.
“Mr. President—one year
after this tragedy—my thoughts, prayers, and condolences remain with the
families who have endured so much pain. And my profound thanks goes out
to the Anacortes community that has been with those families every step of the
way.
“So I am proud to
introduce a Senate resolution with my colleague Senator Cantwell to recognize
the anniversary of this tragedy on April 2, 2011. And I urge my
colleagues to join me in remembering those workers in Anacortes who were taken
from us far too soon.
“Thank you—I yield the
floor.”
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