Expressing Condolences and Sympathy to the People of Sichuan Province, China

EXPRESSING CONDOLENCES AND SYMPATHY TO THE PEOPLE OF SICHUAN PROVINCE, CHINA -- (Extensions of Remarks - May 23, 2008)

SPEECH OF
HON. AL GREEN
OF TEXAS
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
TUESDAY, MAY 20, 2008

* Mr. AL GREEN of Texas. Madam Speaker, I am proud to support H. Res. 1195 and express my heartfelt sympathy for the many victims of the recent earthquake in China's Sichuan province. My prayers go out to all those who lost loved ones and property in this unfortunate tragedy, and it is my sincere hope that the people of the region will be able to recover quickly from the humanitarian crisis that has developed.

* The devastating 7.8 magnitude earthquake that occurred on May 12, 2008 has already resulted in the loss of over 51,000 lives. More than 29,000 people remain missing, and nearly 300,000 others have been reported as injured. The earthquake also destroyed 80 percent of the buildings in the area, killing thousands of children who were trapped in collapsing schools. Roughly 5 million of the survivors are now homeless.

* When faced with such tragedy, we must never forget the ability of the human spirit to persevere. The inspirational stories of courage and survival that have come out of this disaster remind us to never lose faith, even in the most trying of times. I would like to especially commend all those who have come out in support of the victims. From international relief organizations to local community volunteers, people of all backgrounds have set their differences aside and come together to help those in need. In the past week alone, the regions of China most affected by the earthquake have received over $2 billion in donations.

* While some of this news is encouraging, it is clear that the people of the People's Republic of China have suffered greatly from this catastrophe. I truly wish them my heartfelt prayers as they work to rebuild their communities and move forward with their lives.

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