[Congressional Record Volume 145, Number 131 (Friday, October 1, 1999)]
[Senate]
[Page S11817]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




         SYMPATHY FOR VICTIMS OF EARTHQUAKE THAT STRUCK TAIWAN

  Mr. LOTT. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the Senate now 
proceed to the consideration of S. Res. 194 submitted earlier by 
Senator Lott.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. The clerk will report the resolution by title.
  The legislative clerk read as follows:

       A resolution (S. Res. 194) expressing sympathy for the 
     victims of the devastating earthquake that struck Taiwan on 
     September 21, 1999.

  There being no objection, the Senate proceeded to consider the 
resolution.
  Mr. LOTT. Mr. President, I am pleased to rise today to offer this 
Senate resolution, expressing sympathy by the Congress for the victims 
of the devastating earthquake in Taiwan on September 21. A similar 
resolution was introduced in the House and passed yesterday as House 
Resolution 297.
  I personally want to express my sadness and deepest sympathy for the 
many victims of the devastating earthquake that struck Taiwan so 
unexpectedly last week, causing much destruction and many deaths. I ask 
that the Senate convey to the people of Taiwan our most sincere 
sympathies about the tragic losses that they have suffered, in both 
lives and property. With this resolution we call upon the Clinton 
administration and other members of the international community to do 
everything possible to assist Taiwan in its time of need so that it may 
recover rapidly from its terrible losses due to this act of nature.
  Accordingly, Mr. President, I urge all of my colleagues in the Senate 
to join with me in expressing our sympathy and support to the people of 
Taiwan during this tragic and devastating time.
  Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the resolution be agreed 
to, the preamble be agreed to, the motion to reconsider be laid upon 
the table, and statements relating to the resolution be printed in the 
Record.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered.
  The resolution (S. Res. 194) was agreed to.
  The preamble was agreed to.
  The resolution, with its preamble, reads as follows:

                              S. Res. 194

       Whereas on the morning of September 21, 1999, a devastating 
     and deadly earthquake shook the counties of Nantou and 
     Taichung, Taiwan, killing more than 2,000 people, injuring 
     more than 7,800, and leaving more than 100,000 homeless;
       Whereas the earthquake of September 21, 1999, has left 
     thousands of buildings in ruin, caused widespread fires, and 
     destroyed highways and other infrastructure;
       Whereas the strength, courage, and determination of the 
     people of Taiwan has been displayed since the earthquake;
       Whereas the people of the United States and Taiwan share 
     strong friendship and mutual interests and respect;
       Whereas the United States has offered whatever technical 
     assistance might be needed and has dispatched the Urban 
     Search and Rescue Team of Fairfax County, Virginia, the Fire 
     Rescue Team of Miami-Dade, Florida, and others; and
       Whereas offers of assistance have come from the Governments 
     of Japan, Singapore, Turkey, and others: Now, therefore, be 
     it
       Resolved, That the Senate--
       (1) expresses its deepest sympathies to the people of 
     Nantou and Taichung and all of Taiwan for the tragic losses 
     suffered as a result of the earth-quake of September 21, 
     1999;
       (2) expresses its support for the people of Taiwan as they 
     continue their efforts to rebuild their cities and their 
     lives;
       (3) expresses support for disaster assistance being 
     provided by the United States Agency for International 
     Development and other relief agencies; and
       (4) recognizes and encourages the important assistance that 
     also could be provided by foreign countries to alleviate the 
     suffering of the people of Taiwan.

                          ____________________