WASHINGTON, Aug. 2 LAWFUEL – The Law Newswire — Speaker Nancy Pelosi
 released the following statement this evening on the collapse of the
 Interstate 35W bridge in Minnesota last night:
 “The thoughts and prayers of all House members are with the families
 and friends of those lost in last evening’s tragic bridge collapse in
 Minneapolis. While nothing can assuage their grief, I hope it is some
 comfort that so many are praying for them in this difficult time.
 “I wish to express my appreciation for the work of the first responders who rushed to assist those injured in this catastrophe. With little thought
 of their own safety, these brave men and women acted quickly and
 effectively, as they always do, to rescue those injured and to prevent
 further loss of life. We owe them a debt of gratitude for their service.
 “I want to thank Transportation Committee Chairman James Oberstar for
 his leadership in working to provide immediate assistance to the state of
 Minnesota in the wake of this disaster. This week, the House will pass his emergency legislation to provide emergency funds for the repair and
 replacement of the Interstate 35W bridge and to help the Twin Cities area
 cope with the loss of a major transportation route. The bill authorizes up to $250 million for this purpose.”