[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 113 (Tuesday, September 1, 1998)]
[Senate]
[Page S9724]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  TRIBUTE TO PRESBYTERIAN DISASTER ASSISTANCE OF LOUISVILLE, KENTUCKY

  Mr. McCONNELL. Mr. President, while we have a moment, I would like to 
recognize an organization from my home state of Kentucky which has been 
on the front lines responding to international disasters.
  The Presbyterian Disaster Assistance (PDA), headquartered in 
Louisville, has responded to international disaster issues in 37 
countries and has mission relations in 80 countries. It is dedicated to 
responding to national and international disasters, aiding refugees and 
displaced persons, assisting refugee resettlement, educating the 
world's children, and making efforts designed to foster development 
abroad. Clearly, it has made a difference in the world and brought hope 
to the needy.
  Just recently, following the tragic bombings in Kenya and Sudan, PDA 
provided the staff services of its eye clinic and specialized 
orthopedic rehabilitation center for victims. PDA also worked closely 
with the Presbyterian Relief and Development Association of Sudan.
  In early summer, Presbyterian Disaster Assistance, in cooperation 
with other organizations, was able to provide a shipment of fishing 
supplies to over 25,000 households in the Upper Nile Region where the 
ability to fish the rivers will keep these people from slipping into 
the grip of famine. PDA was able to serve people across several ethnic 
boundaries, ensuring that this assistance benefited those most in need.
  Mr. President, I know the entire Senate joins me in saluting the 
courageous work of Presbyterian Disaster Assistance. It gives me a 
great deal of pride that this organization which offers such important 
and valuable service is headquartered in the Commonwealth of Kentucky. 
We all hope for a time when the efforts of organizations such as PDA 
are not necessary, but until that occurs we can take comfort that the 
job will be undertaken with vigor, compassion, and expertise.

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