[Congressional Bills 111th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[H. Res. 430 Engrossed in House (EH)]

H. Res. 430

                In the House of Representatives, U. S.,

                                                         June 15, 2009.
Whereas, in the early morning hours of April 6, 2009, a 6.3 magnitude earthquake 
        struck the Abruzzo region of central Italy, killing over 250 people, 
        damaging or destroying up to 15,000 buildings, and leaving tens of 
        thousands homeless;
Whereas the epicenter of the quake was the town of L'Aquila, located 60 miles 
        northeast of Rome, and massive destruction was reported in 26 
        surrounding cities, towns, and villages;
Whereas rescue workers, who heroically pulled over 100 survivors from the 
        rubble, continued to find survivors amongst the wreckage days after the 
        quake struck;
Whereas strong aftershocks continued to rock the region and created hazardous 
        conditions for residents and rescue workers;
Whereas this was Italy's deadliest quake since 1980;
Whereas the earthquake damaged centuries old landmarks including churches and 
        castles;
Whereas humanitarian aid agencies in the United States and around the world 
        mobilized to provide much needed assistance to the relief and recovery 
        efforts;
Whereas President Barack Obama expressed his condolences, and those of the 
        people of the United States, to families that have lost loved ones and 
        assured Italian Prime Minister Berlusconi that the United States stood 
        ready to help Italy at this time of need; and
Whereas Prime Minister Berlusconi said that Italy would accept the support 
        offered by President Obama and would devote it to preserving the 
        region's cultural and artistic heritage and educational institutions: 
        Now, therefore, be it
    Resolved, That the House of Representatives--
            (1) mourns the loss of life and expresses its deepest condolences to 
        the families of those killed and injured in the earthquake;
            (2) recognizes the deep ties between the United States and Italy and 
        expresses continued solidarity with the people of Italy during this time 
        of crisis;
            (3) applauds the courageous response of Italian rescue workers;
            (4) supports President Obama's offer of United States assistance to 
        Italy in response to this catastrophic event;
            (5) urges the people of the United States to generously support 
        those humanitarian aid agencies working to assist the people of Italy in 
        this time of need;
            (6) commends the many United States organizations, including the 
        National Italian-American Foundation, working to demonstrate support and 
        solidarity with the Italian people and raising funds to provide needed 
        help; and
            (7) expresses gratitude to the people of the United States who have 
        generously supported those humanitarian aid agencies working to assist 
        the people of Italy in this time of need.
            Attest:

                                                                          Clerk.