[Congressional Bills 112th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[H. Res. 34 Introduced in House (IH)]

112th CONGRESS
  1st Session
H. RES. 34

    Expressing condolences to and solidarity with the people of the 
 Commonwealth of Australia as they struggle against deadly floods that 
                      began on December 24, 2010.


_______________________________________________________________________


                    IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

                            January 12, 2011

Mr. Johnson of Georgia (for himself, Mr. Bilbray, Mr. Lewis of Georgia, 
    Mr. Westmoreland, Mr. Bishop of Georgia, and Mr. David Scott of 
Georgia) submitted the following resolution; which was referred to the 
                      Committee on Foreign Affairs

_______________________________________________________________________

                               RESOLUTION


 
    Expressing condolences to and solidarity with the people of the 
 Commonwealth of Australia as they struggle against deadly floods that 
                      began on December 24, 2010.

Whereas in late December of 2010 and January of 2011 torrential rains poured 
        down on Queensland, Australia, causing widespread flooding;
Whereas, as of January 12, 2011, over 200,000 people have been detrimentally 
        affected by the flooding, including at least 12 who have died and 78 who 
        are still missing;
Whereas the floods have spread into a second state, New South Wales, and now 
        affect a total area larger than the State of Texas;
Whereas at least 22 Queensland towns remain isolated or inundated by the rising 
        waters;
Whereas Queensland Premier Anna Bligh has declared more than half of Queensland 
        a disaster zone, and Queensland officials estimate that the flooding 
        could cause up to $5,000,000,000 in damages;
Whereas according to Australia's Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, 
        Queensland accounted for 19 percent of Australia's gross domestic 
        product in 2009-2010;
Whereas the flood waters have destroyed much of Queensland's economic 
        infrastructure;
Whereas the heavy rains continue and Australia's Bureau of Meteorology warned on 
        January 11, 2011, that more flooding will likely occur;
Whereas Brisbane, Australia's third largest city, is at risk of severe flooding 
        such that water is expected to overwhelm the dam built after the 
        devastating 1974 flood;
Whereas Campbell Newman, the Lord Mayor of Brisbane, has estimated that more 
        than 20,000 homes are in danger;
Whereas the United States and Australia are friends and allies and have long 
        maintained a partnership marked by superb cooperation and mutual support 
        in times of both war and peace;
Whereas the United States Embassy in Australia has pledged to fully support 
        Prime Minister Julia Gillard and Queensland Premier Anna Bligh as they 
        respond to the floods;
Whereas United States Embassy personnel in Australia are donating to the 
        Premier's Flood Relief Appeal, volunteering to assist affected 
        communities, and connecting with American businesses that are interested 
        in donating food, clothing, furniture, or expertise to those in need; 
        and
Whereas Secretary of State Hillary Clinton affirmed on January 3, 2011, 
        ``Australia is an important partner and close friend of the United 
        States and we stand ready to provide assistance'': Now, therefore, be it
    Resolved, That the House of Representatives--
            (1) expresses condolences to and solidarity with the people 
        of the Commonwealth of Australia as they struggle against these 
        deadly floods that began on December 24, 2010;
            (2) mourns the loss of life resulting from the floods and 
        expresses its deep sympathy for the survivors, those affected 
        and their families;
            (3) pledges its full support and assistance as Australia 
        searches for missing persons, continues to battle the 
        floodwaters, and rebuilds in the aftermath;
            (4) supports continuing efforts by the United States 
        Government, United States relief agencies, and private citizens 
        to assist Australia as it copes with this natural disaster; and
            (5) urges the United States Government and the internal 
        community to provide additional assistance to aid flood victims 
        and support reconstruction efforts.
                                 <all>