Expressing Sympathy of House for Victims of Earthquake in Iran
EXPRESSING SYMPATHY OF HOUSE FOR VICTIMS OF EARTHQUAKE IN IRAN -- (House of Representatives - March 02, 2004)
Mr. HYDE. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution (H. Res. 526) expressing the sympathy of the House of Representatives for the victims of the devastating earthquake that occurred on December 26, 2003, in Bam, Iran.
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Ms. McCOLLUM. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of this resolution. I commend the gentleman from Ohio (Mr. Ney) for this important resolution.
The suffering of the Iranian people from the Bam earthquake in December is incalculable. As many as 50,000 dead, countless injured. Tragic as well is the destruction of 90 percent of an historic 2,000-year-old city. This is truly a loss to all the world. The resolution appropriately expresses the heartfelt sympathy of the House for the victims of the earthquake and for their loved ones. It also expresses gratitude for the courageous work of U.S. and international aid personnel and relief workers. It was right for the administration to temporarily lift the sanctions that otherwise would have prevented such humanitarian activities in Iran.
Relief workers in Iran came from the United States and around the world. They were ordinary people like Jim Ricci of St. Paul, Minnesota serving in the Air National Guard. Mr. Ricci, who was on his third tour of duty in the Persian Gulf, was on the last of the military's 11 humanitarian flights to Iran. Relief also came from groups like the American Refugee Committee International, headquartered in Minnesota. The American Refugee Committee helped coordinate several significant relief efforts, while donating medical supplies and nonfood items. This coordinated assistance was critical in providing the most effective aid programs possible.
Everyone in Congress is concerned by the conduct of the Islamic Republic of Iran, particularly by the hardliners who dominate the regime, support for terrorism, threats against Israel's existence, deceitful pursuit of nuclear arms and other weapons of mass destruction, and notorious human rights abuse. This recent stacked-deck election are cases in point.
We all share the concerns about the Iranian regime, but we also know it is wrong to blame the Iranian people. I believe the vast majority of Iranian people would yearn for the freedom and the friendship with the U.S. and the world at large.
This resolution recognizes the common humanity of Americans and Iranians. Our common bond of humanity was also acknowledged by the Iranians, who held a spontaneous candlelight vigil on behalf of the victims of September 11, 2001.
The Iranian people should know they have our deepest sympathies for their terrible tragedy. I strongly support this resolution, and I urge all of my colleagues to do the same.
Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
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Ms. McCOLLUM. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
Mr. Speaker, once again I would like to express my sincere support for this resolution. I would like to thank the gentleman from Ohio (Mr. Ney) for bringing this forward, and our distinguished chairman on the Committee on International Relations, the gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Hyde), for making sure for the people of Iran that we stand with them during this terrible loss of life.
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Mr. McCOLLUM. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.