[Congressional Bills 109th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[H. Res. 492 Engrossed in House (EH)]


H. Res. 492

                 In the House of Representatives, U.S.,

                                                      October 18, 2005.
Whereas on October 8, 2005, a powerful earthquake measuring 7.6 on the Richter 
        Scale occurred in Pakistan and India, centered on the city of 
        Muzaffarabad;
Whereas the earthquake caused severe damage in both Pakistan and India;
Whereas the earthquake and continuing aftershocks have caused more than 50,000 
        deaths, resulted in serious injuries to additional tens of thousands of 
        people, and left between 2.5 and 3 million homeless as winter in the 
        affected mountainous region approaches;
Whereas millions of people throughout the affected region currently lack clean 
        water, food, proper sanitation, basic healthcare, adequate shelter, and 
        other necessities, thereby increasing the risk of additional suffering 
        and death; and
Whereas the United States and donors from at least 30 other countries have, to 
        date, pledged several hundred million dollars in emergency and long-term 
        reconstruction assistance, and have begun to deliver humanitarian 
        supplies to survivors of the earthquake: Now, therefore, be it
    Resolved, That the House of Representatives--
            (1) mourns the tragic loss of life and horrendous suffering caused 
        by the earthquake that occurred on October 8, 2005, in Pakistan and 
        India;
            (2) expresses the deepest condolences of the American people to the 
        families, communities, and governments of the tens of thousands of 
        individuals who lost their lives in this earthquake;
            (3) welcomes and commends the prompt international humanitarian 
        response to the earthquake by the governments of many countries, the 
        United Nations and other international organizations, and 
        nongovernmental organizations;
            (4) expresses gratitude and respect for the courageous and committed 
        work of all individuals providing aid, relief and assistance, including 
        United States civilian and military personnel, who are working to save 
        lives and provide relief in the devastated areas; and
            (5) supports the actions to assist the victims taken by the 
        President and the Government of the United States to provide all 
        appropriate assistance to the governments and people of the affected 
        region.



            Attest:

                                                                 Clerk.