[Congressional Bills 110th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[H. Res. 812 Introduced in House (IH)]







110th CONGRESS
  1st Session
H. RES. 812

Expressing the sympathy and pledging the urgent support of the House of 
Representatives and the people of the United States for the victims of 
              the devastating flooding in southern Mexico.


_______________________________________________________________________


                    IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

                            November 8, 2007

Ms. Linda T. Sanchez of California (for herself, Mr. Lantos, Mr. Engel, 
 Mr. Burton of Indiana, Ms. Jackson-Lee of Texas, Mr. Sires, Mr. Scott 
 of Georgia, and Mr. Payne) submitted the following resolution; which 
            was referred to the Committee on Foreign Affairs

_______________________________________________________________________

                               RESOLUTION


 
Expressing the sympathy and pledging the urgent support of the House of 
Representatives and the people of the United States for the victims of 
              the devastating flooding in southern Mexico.

Whereas in late October 2007, a series of storms brought torrential rainfall to 
        southern Mexico, especially the States of Tabasco and Chiapas, causing 
        the Grijalva, Carrizal, and Puxcatan Rivers to overflow their banks;
Whereas early reports have branded the resulting floods as the worst in Mexico 
        in 50 years and Mexican President Calderon has called it ``one of the 
        worst natural disasters in the history of our country. Not only because 
        of the size of the area affected, but because of the number of people 
        affected'';
Whereas the flooding is estimated to have affected 1,000,000 people so far;
Whereas Mexico's Federal Social Development Department now estimates that the 
        homes of over 500,000 people were damaged or destroyed;
Whereas more than 300,000 people are reported to still be trapped inside their 
        homes or on their rooftops, with uncertain access to food, medicine, and 
        safe drinking water;
Whereas forecasts call for even more rain in the days ahead;
Whereas the Governor of the State of Tabasco Andres Granier stated that 100 
        percent of the states crops were lost and that 80 percent of the State 
        of Tabasco is under water;
Whereas the capital of Tabasco, Villahermosa, has been particularly devastated, 
        being compared to New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina;
Whereas the flooding has hampered the capacity of Mexico's oil industry;
Whereas in the State of Chiapas, authorities have declared a state of emergency 
        in 22 municipalities and at least 7,000 people have been evacuated to 
        shelters;
Whereas Red Cross workers in Mexico have called for urgent supplies of water, 
        food, and basic materials to assist in the rescue efforts; and
Whereas health officials have begun warning against the serious possibility of 
        cholera and waterborne diseases: Now, therefore, be it
    Resolved, That the House of Representatives--
            (1) expresses its heartfelt sympathy for the victims of the 
        devastating flooding affecting southern Mexico;
            (2) conveys its sincere support to the people and 
        Government of Mexico;
            (3) urges the United States Government to immediately make 
        available all possible assistance to Mexican authorities; and
            (4) reaffirms its commitment to provide relief aid to the 
        victims as the effects of the flooding continue to unfold.
                                 <all>