Honoring Citigroup

HONORING CITIGROUP -- (Extensions of Remarks - October 20, 2005)

* Mr. SIMPSON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Citigroup and commend them on their leadership in aiding Hurricane Katrina and Rita relief efforts during the recovery and rebuilding of the affected area.

* Citigroup and Citigroup Foundation donated $2 million to Habitat for Humanity International in support of ``Operation Home Delivery.'' In addition to a $1 million immediate donation, the Citigroup Foundation is matching eligible Citigroup employee donations dollar for dollar to the American Red Cross up to $3 million, for a potential total of $7 million.

* Hundreds of Citigroup volunteers are building and helping to organize the Habitat for Humanity build in Humanity Plaza where NBC News' ``Today'' show hosted the construction of Habitat homes as part of Make a Difference Today. In addition, to help the Red Cross in its nationwide telethon on September 9th, calls were routed to Citigroup call centers in St. Louis, Dallas and Jacksonville. Over 900 Citigroup employees answered more than 8,500 calls and helped to raise over $900,000.

* Citigroup is committed to working with affected customers to alleviate the temporary financial impact of this disaster. They are implementing business-specific initiatives for customers in FEMA designated Individual Assistance Areas including deferred and eliminated interest and payments, elimination of interest and fees on current and delinquent accounts, suspension of collection calls and negative credit bureau reporting, implementation of disaster credit line increases, no foreclosures on mortgages, and other solutions as appropriate.

* At the Citi Cards site in Boise, Idaho, where I recently visited, employees donated more than $139,000 to the United Way of Treasure Valley during their 2006 pacesetter campaign in July. Site President Tod Wingfield said, ``The strength of an organization comes from the people within it. The same holds true for the health of a community. We are so proud to have employees who demonstrate their passion and generosity for others by contributing to programs that benefit so many people in our valley. This sense of community and sincere desire to help others is part of what makes Citi a great place to work.'' Citi Cards presented a check to United Way and recognized employees at the United Way Community Campaign Kick-off event in August.

* I want to thank and congratulate Citigroup and employees for their commitment to building strong communities.

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