Expressing Condolences Regarding Attack On United Nations World Food Program Office In Islamabad, Pakistan

Floor Speech

Expressing Condolences Regarding Attack On United Nations World Food Program Office In Islamabad, Pakistan

Mr. McGOVERN. I thank my friend for yielding.

Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H. Res. 823, and I want to thank my good friend and colleague, Congresswoman ROSA DELAURO, for her leadership in bringing this resolution before the House for its consideration.

Mr. Speaker, we often forget, or take for granted, that thousands of humanitarian workers provide food, water, shelter, medicine and essential services to tens of millions around the world. Many of us don't even think about how perilous are the situations in which this compassionate work happens. But we were reminded, in the worst possible way, on October 5, when a bombing attack was carried out against the World Food Program in Islamabad, Pakistan.

This resolution adds to what I am sure others have also conveyed to the WFP, the deepest condolences and sympathies to the families, friends and colleagues of the WFP staff who were killed in Pakistan. I also want to add that my own thoughts and prayers are with those who were wounded and who were injured in the bombing attack, and we hope for their speedy recovery.

Mr. Speaker, the bombing underscores the often precarious situation in which the WFP, and so many other humanitarian and aid workers around the globe, find themselves. And I, for one, can only thank them for their important and too often unrecognized service to humanity.

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