Singapore Shines in Aftermath of Hurricane Katrina

Floor Speech

SINGAPORE SHINES IN AFTERMATH OF HURRICANE KATRINA -- (House of Representatives - September 21, 2005)

(Mr. WILSON of South Carolina asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Madam Speaker, our Nation has been appreciative of the tremendous outpouring of support from other nations for the survivors of Hurricane Katrina.

After playing a critical role in the tsunami relief efforts earlier this year, the Republic of Singapore was one of the first countries that understood the devastation in our Nation and immediately reached out to help those left in Katrina's wake.

In the beginning of September, Singapore's Air Force deployed four Chinook helicopters to Fort Polk, Louisiana, to assist in relief operations. As they worked side by side with members of the Texas Army National Guard, Singapore's airmen flew more than 80 sorties to transport over 800 evacuees and security personnel. They also flew more than 540 tons of equipment, humanitarian supplies, and sand to help fix the breaches in the levees of New Orleans.

Ambassador Chan Heng Chee's leadership and support has been particularly helpful during this time of crisis. As our nations continue to work together, America remains grateful for its strong friendship with Singapore as allies in the war on terrorism.

In conclusion, God bless our troops and we will never forget September 11.

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