Just posted on the official website of Republican Congressman David Dreier is a press release that contains news of a Congressional action that officially commends the work of firefighters who battled over a dozen wildfires in California last week.

The United States House of Representatives voted 409-0 to commend the outstanding work of fire crews while expressing condolences to victims of the blazes.

Here is Congressman Dreier's media release:

Congressman David Dreier (R-San Dimas, CA), Leader of the GOP Congressional Delegation, commended House passage of H.Res. 778, which recognizes and honors the service, actions and sacrifices of all individuals who responded to the wildfires in Southern California and stands with those who are directly impacted by this disaster. Congressman Dreier co-authored this bipartisan resolution with the entire California Bipartisan Congressional Delegation. The resolution was agreed to by a vote of 409 - 0.

“With over 500,000 acres scorched, nearly a million people evacuated, thousands of homes lost, and most tragic, seven lives lost, the devastation in Southern California is overwhelming,” Dreier stated. “The thousands of firefighters, local first responders and volunteers have been courageous, tireless and incredibly effective in responding to the blazes.  While we still have fires raging, we have had a great deal of success in the aftermath of these horrendous fires due to the stellar leadership and direction provided by Governor Schwarzenegger, President Bush, Secretary of Homeland Security Michael Chertoff, and countless other federal, state and local officials.”

Immediately after the fires broke out, an Emergency Declaration was issued by President Bush which allowed federal resources to be sent to the frontlines of the fire to assist state and local resources. President Bush then issued a Major Disaster Declaration in response to the Governor’s request to help with the rebuilding efforts once the damage is assessed. Dreier surveyed the fire damage first hand with the President last week.

A side note: 2008 presidential candidates Dennis Kucinich (D-OH) and Ron Paul (R-TX) refused to vote on the Congressional resolution.