[Congressional Record Volume 141, Number 9 (Tuesday, January 17, 1995)]
[Senate]
[Page S1000]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


           THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS ARE WITH THE PEOPLE OF JAPAN

  Mr. DOLE. Mr. President, the thoughts and prayers of all Americans 
are with the people of Japan today, as they begin the recovery process 
from this morning's earthquake.
  Ironically, this tragedy hit Japan exactly 1 year after the 
Northridge earthquake that devastated the Los Angeles area.
  And as the people of Japan who were affected by this morning's 
earthquake begin to rebuild their cities and their lives, they can take 
great inspiration in the courage and cooperation exhibited over the 
past year in southern California.
  Mayor Richard Riordan wrote in today's Los Angeles Times that ``It 
has been said that much can be determined about the character of an 
individual tested by difficult times. The same is true for our city and 
the emergency response provided by every level of government.''
  In the days, weeks, and months following the Northridge quake the 
people of southern California, humanitarian organizations like the 
American Red Cross, and local, State, and Federal governments--under 
the superb leadership of Pete Wilson--passed every test with flying 
colors.
  Again, Mr. President, I know all Members of the Senate join with me 
in mourning the loss of life in Japan, and in admiring the courage and 
resourcefulness exhibited over the past year by the people of southern 
California.


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