[Congressional Record Volume 141, Number 15 (Wednesday, January 25, 1995)]
[Senate]
[Page S1545]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


                SENATE RESOLUTION 72--RELATIVE TO JAPAN

  Mr. BINGAMAN (for himself, Mr. Daschle, Mr. Dole, Mr. Rockefeller, 
Mr. Pell, and Mr. Robb) submitted the following resolution; which was 
considered and agreed to:

                               S. Res. 72

       Whereas, on the morning of January 17, 1995 a devastating 
     and deadly earthquake shook the cities of Kobe and Osaka, 
     Japan killing more than 5,000 people, injuring more than 
     25,000 and leaving more than 300,000 temporarily homeless:
       Whereas, the earthquake of January 17, 1995 has left more 
     than 46,440 buildings in ruin, destroyed highways, train 
     lines and other infrastructure and has caused losses of as 
     much as $80 billion in Kobe alone:
       Whereas, the tradition of strength, courage, determination 
     and community of the people of Japan has been displayed time 
     again by the citizens of Kobe and Osaka and, indeed, all of 
     Japan since the earthquake and has served as an inspiration 
     to all of the world:
       Whereas, the nations and people of the United States and 
     Japan share a strong, decades old history of friendship and 
     mutual interests and respect:
       Whereas, the people of the United States, having suffered a 
     similar tragedy almost a year ago to the day of the Kobe and 
     Osaka earthquake, share in the pain and hope of the people of 
     Japan.
       Therefore be it resolved by the Senate that--
       (1) The Senate expresses its deepest sympathies to the 
     Nation of Japan and the citizens of Kobe and Osaka for the 
     tragic losses suffered as a result of the earthquake of 
     January 17, 1995.
       (2) The Senate expresses its support to the people of Japan 
     as they continue their noble efforts to rebuild their cities 
     and their lives.
       (3) The Senate expresses its friendship to the people of 
     Kobe and Osaka and pledges its support for their efforts in 
     the face of this disaster.

  Mr. BINGAMAN. Mr. President, I rise today to submit Senate Resolution 
72 expressing the Senate's deepest sympathies to the people of Kobe and 
Osaka, Japan.
  Mr. President, by now we are all aware of the frightening devastation 
that was caused by the earthquake that struck Kobe and Osaka in the 
early morning of January 17, 1995. We have seen the terrible 
destruction of homes and businesses, we have heard the enormous numbers 
of dead and wounded and we have read the remarkable stories of courage 
and hope that have sprung daily from the rubble and ruins of Kobe and 
Osaka.
  Mr. President, the memories of the earthquake that struck California 
almost a year ago to the day of the Kobe and Osaka earthquake have not 
diminished in the short period of time that has elapsed. We remember 
all too well the feelings of disbelief and loss as we learned of the 
destruction that the California earthquake reeked on our own citizens. 
As it was a year ago, so it has been throughout the past week as we 
watched the events unfold in Kobe and Osaka.
  Mr. President, we do not need a disaster to remind us of our 
friendship and mutual commitment with the people of Japan; however, at 
a time of tragedy such as this, we do have an opportunity to again 
reaffirm that friendship and to say to the people of Japan that America 
does care.
  Mr. President, I hope that my colleagues will join with me today in 
supporting Senate Resolution 72 and will join with all of America in 
expressing our deepest sympathies and pledging our support and 
friendship to the people of Japan.


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