Expressing Condolences and Support for Assisstance to Victims of Earthquake and Tsunamis that occurred on Dec. 26, 2004 in South and Southeast Asia
EXPRESSING CONDOLENCES AND SUPPORT FOR ASSISTANCE TO VICTIMS OF EARTHQUAKE AND TSUNAMIS THAT OCCURRED ON DECEMBER 26, 2004, IN SOUTH AND SOUTHEAST ASIA -- (Extensions of Remarks - January 06, 2005)
SPEECH OF
HON. BETTY McCOLLUM OF MINNESOTA
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
TUESDAY, JANUARY 4, 2005
* Ms. McCOLLUM of Minnesota. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H. Res. 12, expressing support to the victims of the tragic earthquake and tsunami that occurred on December 26, 2004. I offer my deepest condolences to the people of Indonesia, Thailand, Sri Lanka, and India, along with all of the children and families across South Asia and Eastern Africa, in the wake of this devastating event.
* The toll taken by this tragic earthquake and tsunami is staggering: More than 150,000 dead, thousands still missing, and 5 million lacking basic survival necessities like clean water, food and shelter, and healthcare. The world endured the largest earthquake since 1900 and the tsunami that followed took the lives of children, their parents, tourists and entire families. This is a region ill-prepared for such a colossal and devastating natural occurrence. It is a human tragedy of epic proportions.
* In response, the world community has embarked on a massive humanitarian relief effort unparalleled in the history of disaster relief. To date, the United States and other donors have pledged an estimated $2 billion in emergency and reconstruction assistance.
* As the wealthiest nation in the world, the United States must lead the effort to provide humanitarian assistance. A once belated and undervalued response by the United States must now be erased with aggressive and generous action. I call on Congress to swiftly authorize and appropriate the $350 million pledged by the President so it can be delivered promptly to those who need it immediately.
* I also call on the President to ensure that the money he pledged to provide humanitarian relief in the wake of this disaster does not come at the expense of existing international aid programs assisting millions of people across the globe. These programs, for example, help AIDS orphans, victims of drought, war refugees and the families in Iraq and Afghanistan that are rebuilding their homes and communities. Our assistance in these areas must remain a priority.
* The tragic loss of human life and destruction from the earthquake and tsunami unite the United States and the entire international community in solidarity and support. My thoughts and prayers go out to the victims of this terrible tragedy and I pledge my continued support and help for their families and the hundreds of relief workers who have come to their aid.
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