[Congressional Record Volume 147, Number 13 (Wednesday, January 31, 2001)]
[House]
[Pages H118-H127]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
EXPRESSING SYMPATHY FOR VICTIMS OF EARTHQUAKE IN INDIA ON JANUARY 26,
2001, AND SUPPORT FOR ONGOING AID EFFORTS
Mr. HYDE. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to the
concurrent resolution (H. Con. Res. 15) expressing sympathy for the
victims of the devastating earthquake that struck India on January 26,
2001, and support for ongoing aid efforts.
The Clerk read as follows:
H. Con. Res. 15
Whereas on the morning of January 26, 2001, a devastating
and deadly earthquake shook the state of Gujarat in western
India, killing untold tens of thousands of people, injuring
countless others, and crippling most of the region;
Whereas the earthquake of January 26, 2001, has left
thousands of buildings in ruin, caused widespread fires, and
destroyed infrastructure;
Whereas the people of India and people of Indian origin
have displayed strength, courage, and determination in the
aftermath of the earthquake;
Whereas the people of the United States and India have
developed a strong friendship based on mutual interests and
respect;
Whereas India has appealed to the World Bank, the Asian
Development Bank, and the international community for the
economic assistance to meet the substantial relief and
reconstruction needs facing that country in the aftermath of
the earthquake;
Whereas the United States has offered technical and
monetary assistance through the United States Agency for
International Development (USAID); and
Whereas offers of assistance have also come from the
Governments of Turkey,
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Switzerland, Taiwan, Russia, Germany, China, Canada, and
others, as well as countless nongovernmental organizations:
Now, therefore, be it
Resolved by the House of Representatives (the Senate
concurring), That the Congress--
(1) expresses its deepest sympathies to the citizens of the
state of Gujarat and to all of India for the tragic losses
suffered as a result of the earthquake of January 26, 2001;
(2) expresses its support for--
(A) the people of India as they continue their efforts to
rebuild their cities and their lives;
(B) continuing and substantially increasing the amount of
disaster assistance being provided by the United States
Agency for International Development (USAID) and other relief
agencies; and
(C) providing future economic assistance in order to help
rebuild Gujarat;
(3)(A) supports the economic assistance efforts of the
World Bank, the Asian Development Bank, and the international
community; and
(B) urges the President to use United States influence with
these bodies to expedite these efforts; and
(4) recognizes and encourages the important assistance that
also could be provided by other nations to alleviate the
suffering of the people of India.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to the rule, the gentleman from
Illinois (Mr. Hyde) and the gentleman from New York (Mr. Ackerman) each
will control 20 minutes.
The Chair recognizes the gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Hyde).
General Leave
Mr. HYDE. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may
have 5 legislative days within which to revise and extend their remarks
and to include extraneous material on H. Con. Res. 15.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there objection to the request of the
gentleman from Illinois?
There was no objection.
Mr. HYDE. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of H. Con. Res. 15, which
expresses the sympathy and the condolences of the American people and
the Congress of the United States following the devastating earthquake
that struck western India January 26, 2001.
This earthquake, the most severe in India in the past 50 years,
registered 7.9 on the Richter scale and caused incalculable human
suffering and devastation. The resultant loss of life is estimated to
be in the tens of thousands and hundreds of thousands are homeless and
injured.
President Bush has pledged to provide immediate assistance to India,
which is in urgent need of medical supplies, food, and emergency relief
equipment.
H. Con. Res. 15 supports the efforts of our government, the World
Bank, the Asian Development Bank and the international development
community, in their endeavors to provide assistance to the Government
of India and private voluntary organizations that are engaged in relief
efforts.
Mr. Speaker, India is the most populous democracy on earth and a
strategic partner of the United States. It is, therefore, fitting that
the United States Congress express its sympathy and condolences to the
people of India for the tragic loss of life and devastating destruction
caused by this earthquake and support all bilateral and multilateral
efforts to ease the human suffering in India and provide assistance in
the reconstruction effort.
Mr. Speaker, I ask that my colleagues to support H. Con. Res. 15. I
urge its adoption by the House.
Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
Mr. ACKERMAN. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of House Concurrent Resolution
15.
Mr. Speaker, on the morning of January 26, the devastating earthquake
measuring 7.9 on the Richter scale ripped through Gujarat State in
northwestern India, leaving in its wake destruction on a staggering
scale. The full extent of the damage is as yet unknown, but the numbers
of dead are at least in the tens of thousands, the number of injured in
the hundreds of thousands, and the number of displaced is so far over a
half a million.
The estimate of property damage now tops $5 billion, but mere numbers
cannot capture the extent of the devastation, nor the horror at the
loss of life and loved ones.
Mr. Speaker, I want to express my personal condolences to all of
those in India for the tragic losses that they have suffered.
{time} 1045
I also want to express my condolences to those Indian-Americans whose
families or friends have been affected by the earthquake. I know that
the Indian-American community has mobilized since the earthquake to
provide donations to those organizations that are assisting the relief
operations on the ground in India, and the community should be
commended for and assisted in its efforts.
The U.S. Agency for International Development has responded with a
pledge of $5 million in emergency assistance joining many other nations
as the international community comes together to assist in the search
and rescue effort.
I am sure that, in this hour of India's deepest need, the United
States and the international community will continue to do all that
they can to assist India in the rescue and reconstruction efforts.
Mr. Speaker, the resolution before us today expresses the deepest
sympathies of the Congress to the people of India and expresses our
support as the people of India begin to rebuild their lives. I urge all
of our colleagues to support the resolution.
Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
Mr. HYDE. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to yield 3\1/2\ minutes to the
gentleman from California (Mr. Royce), one of the coauthors of this
resolution.
Mr. ROYCE. Mr. Speaker, first, I want to commend the gentleman from
Illinois (Mr. Hyde), the new chairman of the Committee on International
Relations, especially for expediting this important resolution to make
certain that it hit the floor today.
I worked on this resolution with the gentleman from Washington (Mr.
McDermott), my fellow cochairman of the Congressional Caucus on India;
and it goes to the issue of the massive earthquake that with terrifying
intensity hit the State of Gujarat in India on January 26. This is the
most massive quake that India has faced in 50 years. It left in its
wake tens of thousands of dead and injured. It devastated the
infrastructure of the region.
The death toll has now been estimated anywhere between 20,000 and,
incredibly, 100,000 human beings. These are staggering numbers, though
the fatality statistics alone do not begin to convey the level of
suffering that the people of India have endured and will endure for
years to come as a result of this quake.
Indeed, the images of death and destruction we have seen on
television are sobering. While the quake also impacted Pakistan and
Nepal and Bangladesh, it is Gujarat that has been reduced to rubble.
Thousands who have been left homeless must now deal with the loss of
family members and the loss of their neighbors.
But in this tragedy, we were afforded a look at the strength of the
human spirit. Alongside the devastation that occurred were the courage
and determination shown by the people of India. Glimmers of that spirit
came in the news that a mother and her baby were found among the
survivors a full 4 days after the quake struck.
Offers of assistance have come from many countries. Not surprisingly,
members of the Indo-American community have been quick to deliver their
time and aid. Many Indo-Americans have family in Gujarat, though it is
the Indo-American community as a whole that has stepped forward with a
greatly impressive aid drive.
Over the weekend, USAID coordinated an airlift of emergency supplies
to meet the immediate needs of the families in the region. President
Bush has said that other airlifts are on the way. This resolution backs
that effort in the strongest of terms which extends the American
tradition of providing humanitarian aid.
The rebuilding of the state of Gujarat is a daunting challenge.
Economic damage may top $5 billion. While India enjoys a growing
economy, U.S.-India commerce is growing, India is still, though, very
much a developing country that can ill afford this damage, especially
to Gujarat, which was an economic powerhouse of India.
But India has a strong partner in the United States. We can lend a
hand. Indians and Americans share a strong
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friendship, one that is so promising because of our common security
and economic interest as well as the bond of common values between the
world's oldest and largest democracies.
This quake, by the way, struck on India's Republic Day, a time for
India to celebrate the democratic values upon which it was founded 51
years ago.
Again, I want to commend the effort of the gentleman from Washington
(Mr. McDermott) and applaud the support many Members of both parties
showed by quickly cosponsoring this resolution. Showing solidarity now
is in India's interest and it is in America's interest, and I urge
passage.
Mr. ACKERMAN. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to yield 3 minutes to the
gentleman from Washington State (Mr. McDermott), the cosponsor of the
resolution before us and also the newly elected cochair of the
Congressional Caucus on India and Indian-Americans.
Mr. McDERMOTT. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to support H. Con. Res. 15,
the concurrent resolution to express sympathy to the victims of the
earthquake and the Indian state of Gujarat.
It is really with a very heavy heart that the gentleman from
California (Mr. Royce), my colleague and Indian Caucus cochair, has
introduced this bill.
I went down to San Francisco on Friday to celebrate Republic Day with
the Indian community. I have never been in such a sad place filled with
people who had spent the day or the night trying to get through to find
out if their families were still alive.
For those of us who live on the West Coast, a 7.9 earthquake is truly
terrifying. I have never been through anything that strong, and I have
been through some tough ones in Seattle, and I know the gentleman from
California (Mr. Royce) has in Southern California. The devastation was,
of course, clearly going to be a bad earthquake. But no one realized
that this was going to be the worst natural disaster in several
centuries in India.
Several high-ranking government officials have already stated that
the death toll is probably going to reach 100,000 people. Conservative
estimates on property damage suggest a $5.5 billion toll, and that is
before there has really been an assessment of the problem.
This resolution simply expresses our sympathies and our support for
efforts by our own country in relief efforts. The physical devastation
of Gujarat will not be erased for many years, and the psychological
scars may never be eliminated.
Gujarat is where Mahatma Gandhi came from. It is where independence
sprang. His first nonviolent act was to walk from Ahmedabad, the city
that was destroyed, down to the sea. This is a time of tragedy, then,
for our friends in India and all its people. In recent years, we have
grown increasingly closer to India. The President visited India. The
Prime Minister visited the United States last year. It was truly an
amazing year last year. Those ties have become tighter and tighter in
large measure because of the strong Indian-American community who has
made an amazing impact in our country.
It has been this community that has come together to truly lead the
American people's response to this natural disaster. I was in Seattle
for the Republic Day celebration on Sunday, and they had already
pledged a million dollars from Seattle.
India is a trading partner, a strategic partner and certainly an ally
in democracy. I truly hope that our token of support is received by
India and the people of India with our deepest sympathies.
This resolution, I am sure, will be unanimous on all sides of the
aisle. I am happy this House has acted so quickly.
I want to thank Speaker Hastert and the gentleman from Missouri (Mr.
Gephardt) for acting so quickly and especially to thank the gentleman
from Illinois (Mr. Hyde) and the gentleman from California (Mr. Lantos)
for waiving their jurisdiction so that we can vote on it today.
I would like to close by offering a Sanskrit benediction: ``Sarva
Mang-alam Bha-vantu,'' peace to everyone.
Mr. HYDE. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to yield 2\1/2\ minutes to the
gentleman from New York (Mr. Gilman), the distinguished chairman
emeritus of the Committee on International Relations.
(Mr. GILMAN asked and was given permission to revise and extend his
remarks.)
Mr. GILMAN. Mr. Speaker, I wanted to thank the gentleman from
Illinois (Mr. Hyde), our distinguished chairman, for yielding. And I
commend the gentleman from California (Mr. Royce) and the gentleman
from Washington (Mr. McDermott) for their sponsorship of this important
resolution.
I am pleased to rise in strong support of H. Con. Res. 15, a sense of
the Congress expressing our sympathy for the victims of the recent
tragic earthquake in India and support for our ongoing aid efforts. Our
hearts and prayers go out to our friends and families both here and
abroad who are anguishing and mourning over this enormous tragedy in
India.
On January 26, a quake that hit India's Gujarat state measured 7.9 on
the Richter Scale. As of yesterday, there were 6,287 people confirmed
dead and 15,481 injured, with estimates putting the total number of
fatalities projected to be as high as 100,000. That earthquake left
thousands of buildings in ruin, caused widespread fires and devastation
and impacted the entire infrastructure of that region.
My office has been in direct contact with Ambassador Celeste, our
representative to India; and based on his report, we are confident that
our State Department is acting swiftly and appropriately in this
crisis.
Two days ago, our Nation's airlift, a 747 aircraft, loaded with
supplies capable of assisting some 8,000 people, landed; and U.S. funds
have already been contributed to India's prime minister's relief fund.
Secretary of State Colin Powell has been permanently engaged in
ensuring that our government does all that it can to help in sending
emergency equipment and personnel to help relieve this suffering and
then assessing how and where our assets can best be utilized.
We commend India's defense minister, George Fernandes, for his swift
and impressive response to this crisis. He is well known as being a man
of the people and his dedicated work of his soldiers is doing God's
work.
It was reported yesterday that Prime Minister /Vajpayee, while
touring areas hardest hit by the powerful quake, pledged that no
expense would be spared to rebuild the affected region as soon as
possible. We in our Nation need to do all that we can to assist him in
his efforts, and I look forward to hearing from the administration how
we can be of further assistance.
I strongly support H. Con. Res. 15 and urge my colleagues to support
the resolution.
Mr. ACKERMAN. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from
New Jersey (Mr. Pallone), the founder of the India Caucus and the
former chairman.
Mr. PALLONE. Mr. Speaker, it is with great sadness that I come to the
House floor this morning. Last Friday, as we know, one of the most
destructive and devastating earthquakes hit India. And the area hit
hardest by the quake was Gujarat, an area where a majority of Indian-
Americans in my home district of New Jersey come from.
Many of these Indian-Americans today are still waiting to hear
whether or not relatives and friends are still alive. I want the
millions of Indian-Americans to know that my prayers remain with them
as the struggle to find victims and provide assistance to the wounded
continues.
Mr. Speaker, the resolution that we have before us today says two
very important things: first, that, as a country and as a Congress, we
express our deepest sympathies to all Indians for the tragic losses
suffered as a result of last week's earthquake; and, second, the
resolution voices this Congress' belief that we must substantially
increase the amount of disaster assistance being provided by USAID and
other relief agencies. This is critical.
As of today, USAID has already sent $5 million in emergency supplies
to the area most devastated. This is a good start, but we must do more.
That is why I have asked President Bush to immediately double the
amount of money being sent to India through USAID. I believe that we
will need to do more in the future, but this assistance will make a
huge difference in the lives of those who are now suffering.
I just lastly want to thank the gentleman from Washington (Mr.
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McDermott) and the gentleman from California (Mr. Royce), the new
chairman on the Congressional Caucus on India and Indian-Americans, for
introducing this resolution in such a timely manner.
I ask that my colleagues support this resolution so that the nation
of India and millions of Indian-Americans here in the United States
know that they are not alone in helping the victims of this devastating
event.
Mr. HYDE. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to yield 2 minutes to the
distinguished gentleman from Michigan (Mr. Knollenberg).
Mr. KNOLLENBERG. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman from Illinois
(Mr. Hyde) for yielding me time.
Mr. Speaker, I, too, rise this morning to join the bipartisan voices
of support to the nation of India during this extremely difficult time.
As was noted last Friday, western India, Gujarat, was struck by a
devastating earthquake resulting in the loss of tens of thousands of
lives. It has been mentioned that 100,000 might be reached, death and
devastation that defies description. Perhaps the injuries will be in
the hundreds of thousands, economic damage of $5 billion or more, and
perhaps even that is not measurable.
With the destruction of thousands of buildings and the devastation of
the region's infrastructure, India is in great need of support from the
international community. And I am glad to hear that USAID has weighed
in with an initial response on January 27th of $5 million. There is
more to come.
Along with that, the international community, the European Union, the
International Red Cross is on board. Things are happening, but it
cannot happen fast enough.
{time} 1100
So, Mr. Speaker, I offer my condolences to all the families and
individuals in India and the United States, and particularly those in
my own district in Michigan who lost their loved ones, as well as those
who have lost homes and possessions. I urge all Members to join in
expressing our deepest sympathies and continued support as the people
of India face the enormous task of rebuilding their country.
I urge my colleagues to support the resolution and I commend the
authors, the gentleman from California (Mr. Royce) and the gentleman
from Washington (Mr. McDermott), as cochairs, for bringing this
resolution forward.
Mr. ACKERMAN. Mr. Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the gentlewoman from
Michigan (Ms. Kilpatrick).
(Ms. KILPATRICK asked and was given permission to revise and extend
her remarks.)
Ms. KILPATRICK. Mr. Speaker, I first want to thank our ranking member
for allowing me the time to come forward, and I thank also the two
chairmen, as well as the gentleman from California (Mr. Royce) and the
gentleman from Washington (Mr. McDERMOTT) for bringing this to the
floor quickly.
As a member of the House Committee on Appropriations, where I serve
on the Subcommittee on Foreign Operations, Export Financing and Related
Programs, this small appropriation that we are giving India today
hopefully will be a first step in assisting them with the tragedy that
they suffered on January 26.
I want to express my sympathy to the victims of the devastating
earthquake and let them know that this Congress, USAID, the World Bank
and the Asian Bank are working in partnership to make sure that we do
what we can to help to rebuild that fabulous country.
It is important that we show our appreciation and support because
millions of Indian-Americans, as has already been stated, here in this
country have lost families in their homeland; over 20,000 and up to
100,000 people losing their lives.
So, Mr. Speaker, I am happy to also express sympathy and offer
support, and I hope that as we work through the foreign operations
budget we will find more financing and more support for the people of
India.
Mr. HYDE. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2\1/2\ minutes to the gentlewoman from
Maryland (Mrs. Morella).
Mrs. MORELLA. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of H. Con. Res.
15. I want to thank the chairman, the gentleman from Illinois (Mr.
Hyde), and I want to thank the ranking member, the gentleman from
California (Mr. Lantos), for so expeditiously bringing this very
important resolution before us. Obviously, I want to thank the Members
of Congress who crafted it, the gentleman from California (Mr. Royce)
and the gentleman from Washington (Mr. McDermott).
This is so important, and I certainly express my sorrow and my
sympathy to the citizens of Gujarat, and all of India, for the losses
that they have experienced caused by the tragic earthquake in India
which occurred on January 26.
This earthquake was the most powerful to strike India since August
15, 1950. The Indian Government estimates that as many as 100,000
people are dead, 200,000 are injured. The media has reported that more
than 500,000 people are displaced. And although logistical constraints
continue to hamper relief efforts, the United States Agency for
International Development's Disaster Assistance Response Team, Catholic
Charities, and dozens of relief agencies have worked with the Indian
Government in identifying several critical needs in affected areas.
Hundreds of volunteers have offered themselves and equipment to the
relief efforts, including earth-moving equipment, concrete cutting and
breaking supplies, medical equipment and supplies, mobile field
surgical hospitals, portable water, sanitation facilities, food, and
shelter.
Americans are traditionally very generous to those in need, be it an
individual or an entire Nation. And this terrible incident is another
example of how we have to come together to attempt to lessen the severe
pain that the country of India is currently experiencing.
Although the search for survivors decreases by the day, we must
remember the rebuilding period that will take decades. Literally
hundreds of thousands of men, women, and children are homeless,
widowed, orphaned, and helpless.
Mr. Speaker, I am proud to represent a large number of Indian-
Americans in my district and to serve on the Congressional Caucus on
India and Indian-Americans. I want to encourage all of my colleagues to
join me in recognizing the pain of an entire Nation and the courage of
its people while offering long-term support.
Paraphrasing John Donne, who said, ``No man or woman is an island; we
are all connected to each other. The death of any man or woman
diminishes me. The bell tolls for each of us.'' Let us respond.
Mr. ACKERMAN. Mr. Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the gentlewoman from
Texas (Ms. Jackson-Lee).
(Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas asked and was given permission to revise
and extend her remarks.)
Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman from
Illinois (Mr. Hyde) and the distinguished gentleman from New York (Mr.
Ackerman), along with many Members of the Congressional Caucus on India
and Indian-Americans.
Let me first of all acknowledge the great contributions that Indo-
Americans have given to this Nation. Celebrating the 51st anniversary
of their democracy this weekend in Houston with some 5,000, it was very
much emphasized the drawing together of this community to lift up India
and their loved ones.
We realize there may be as many as 100,000 dead. And as we have
watched every morning on television, we have seen not only the sadness
but we have seen the courage, we have seen the ability of those in
India to survive. And they want to survive and they want to try to save
their family members. I am hoping, and I believe this resolution is of
great importance to acknowledge their courage, to acknowledge the
devastation and to begin to talk as a country to increase the amount of
aid.
Let me applaud the Congressional Caucus on India and Indian-Americans
for its request for additional aid, and I wish to acknowledge
Condoleezza Rice and the Bush administration in responding to a call I
made for an increase in aid. Let us give the Indian people sympathy and
love and let us give them support.
Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of the sense of congress resolution
expressing sympathy for the victims of the recent earthquake in India.
The earthquake that struck India on January 26, 2001, was truly
devastating and horrific. The loss of human life and mass destruction
of property that has been witnessed
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in India is sad and real. With at least 20,000 people killed, thousands
missing or homeless, and the region's infrastructure totally
devastated, the state of Gujarat and the Indian nation has an
overwhelming task of rebuilding.
The earthquake had enormous affect in India's western Gujurat state,
and governmental officials said thousands are injured or missing. The
tremble caused high-rise buildings to shake from New Delhi to Munbai
and Kolkata. I have learned that the death toll could go as high as
100,000. Whatever the actual loss, such tragedies are difficult to ever
justify morally or in any other logical fashion. It is a humanitarian
disaster.
The United States can and should play a leading role in the
international relief effort on behalf of India, given the growing ties
with India and the burgeoning American-Indian Community in America. In
fact, India and the United States have much in common as the world's
two largest democracies. Last year, I had an opportunity to accompany
President Clinton on his historic visit to India to further strengthen
our ties with the people of India. The warmth and genuineness of the
people of India was unforgettable.
This past weekend I attended a moving event with Indian-Americans
from the 18th Congressional District of Texas. The Honorable Rinzing
Wangdi, Consul General of India was in attendance. I had the
opportunity to speak with a number of Indian-Americans who spoke about
their shock and sadness regarding the earthquake.
Accordingly, I wrote and spoke with the Bush Administration
officials, over the weekend, to ask for support of the Indian people.
When meeting with American-Indians in my community, they urged me to
seek assistance for the people of India. While I surely applaud the
innovative efforts being taken within India to assist the victims
during this traumatic time, urgent assistance is needed for the people
of India. We have all learned by now that searchers in India used
everything from sniffer dogs and sophisticated rock-cutting tools to
screwdrivers and their bare hands to search for survivors. We must
hope, of course, that any life that can be saved will be saved.
In bringing hope and expeditious relief to the people of India, we
must listen to the growing Indian-American population for their
guidance and expertise in emerging from this crisis. Indian-Americans,
who have organized themselves into large numbers of associations and
organizations, are playing an important role in strengthening
cooperation in India and the United States. This is a promising sign
for relations between our nations because we can pull together in times
of need.
As a preliminary response, I am thankful that coordinated efforts by
agencies such as the American Red Cross and international organizations
are beginning to determine the needs of the survivors and those left
without basic necessities. Contributions by individuals to such relief
agencies will make such a discernable difference in the life of the
people of India that have suffered so severely.
Additionally, India will be seeking loans from the international
community to rebuild the devastated areas. The Government of India is
expected to seek loans from international institutions, such as the
World Bank and the Asian Development Bank. The World Bank has thus far
offered $300 million, and has pledged to put together a longer-term
assistance plan in consultation with the Gujarat state government. We
understand that India may seek $1.5 billion in multilateral loans.
Mr. Speaker, we must confront unilateral U.S. sanctions that are in
place against India to bring some peace and stability to the affected
areas. Under the unilateral sanctions regime on India that went into
effect in 1998, the U.S. government was directed to oppose multilateral
loans and credits to India. However, under legislation adopted by
Congress, the President of the United States has the authority to waive
certain sanctions, including the mandated U.S. opposition to World Bank
loans, particularly those loans that would have a direct humanitarian
benefit. Clearly, the present tragedy in India is an enormous
humanitarian emergency.
Accordingly, I wish to join my colleagues and urge the Administration
to fully support India's request for assistance through international
financial institutions, and should work within the World Bank and other
international organizations to expedite India's requests. It is the
right thing to do and we all know it.
Mr. Speaker, at this time of enormous tragedy in India, it would send
a positive signal of American concern and support if the remaining U.S.
unilateral sanctions against India were waived to allow for friendlier
and more normalized relations between our nations, and to remove any
impediments for full and prompt delivery of assistance to India in this
time of need. Let us be helpful and expeditious in this enormous time
of need for the people of India.
Mr. Speaker, I urge adoption of the resolution.
Mr. HYDE. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Texas
(Mr. Paul).
(Mr. PAUL asked and was given permission to revise and extend his
remarks.)
Mr. PAUL. Mr. Speaker, I thank the chairman for yielding me this
time. I too want to express my deep sympathy and sorrow for those
people in India who are suffering. It was truly a devastating natural
disaster and certainly the concern of all Americans goes out to all
these people.
I do have some concerns about how we respond so often to disasters
like this because we believe that we can solve all our problems by just
going to the taxpayers. I know that this does not seem like the
appropriate time to raise the question, but there was a time in our
history when we did not assume that it was a constitutional approach to
tax poor people in America to help people in other parts of the world.
We have always resorted to charities and volunteer approaches, and I
still believe that is proper. I do not think there is evidence to show
that aid to governments is necessarily the most efficient manner of
helping other people.
There is also the moral question. We talk about what we are giving
today, and it is substantial amounts, and we are substantially
increasing it. It could be $10 million. It could be $100 million. But
nobody talks about could it cost something. Well, there is a cost to it
and it might hurt some innocent people in this country; the people who
we do not know about. Somebody might not be able to build a house or
get medical care. There may be somebody who will lose a job. There may
be an increase in inflation. But we will never see those victims, so
they are not represented. I think that if we were more determined to
follow the rule of law and do this only in a voluntary manner we would
not always place a burden on some innocent people in this country.
It was ironic that today, although there was talk earlier about
sending some goods and surpluses, that actually the ambassador today
sadly said he was not interested in any surpluses; he just wanted the
dollars to come over there. And there may be a good reason for this,
for efficiency sake or whatever. But in a way, I think if we have some
surplus in food or something, we should be able to provide that.
Mr. Speaker, I thank you for the opportunity to express my sympathy
for victims of the recent earthquake in the State of Gujarat, India
and, at the same time, my concern for American taxpayers who, once
again, will see their constitution ignored and their pockets raided by
their representatives in Washington--it is, of course, easy to express
sympathy with other people's money.
Without so much as a hearing in the International Relations
committee, this bill comes to the floor and, while laudably expressing
deep sympathy for victims of this terrible natural disaster in India,
regrettably expresses support for (a) the World Bank; (b)
``substantially'' increasing the amount of U.S. taxpayer-funded,
disaster assistance; and (c) future economic assistance to rebuild the
state of Gujarat, India.
Setting aside for the moment that nowhere in Article I, Sec. 8 (the
enumerated powers clause) of the Federal Constitution can authority be
found to take money from U.S. taxpayers for this purpose, additional
problems result from passage of this resolution as well as those
actions certain to follow as a consequence of the bill's passage.
First, the notion of taxing the fruits of financially struggling
Americans with no constitutional authority only to send it to foreign
governments is reprehensible. One of the problems with such aid is that
it ultimately ends up in the hands of foreign bureaucrats who merely
use it to advance their own foreign government agendas thus making it
less likely to get to those most deserving. One need only compare the
success of private charities in this country with those government
relief efforts to clearly see government's profound and inherently
inept record.
Secondly, forced ``contributions'' erode any satisfaction that comes
from being a charitable individual. Without the personal choice of
giving or not giving to charitable relief efforts, the decision to be
charitable and the moral reward of so doing is completely eroded by the
force-based government.
Lastly, as a result of such actions as these, participation dwindles
worldwide for the most efficient means of dealing with such
catastrophes, that is, private disaster insurance. When disaster costs
are socialized, greater catastrophic results are encouraged as more
people ignore the costs of living in riskier areas. At the same time,
these same actors ignore the cost savings and other benefits of
[[Page H123]]
living in safer areas. Governments acting to socialize these costs
actually stimulates the eventual death and destruction of more people
and their property. (This, of course, is a lesson that the United
States should learn to apply domestically, as well.)
While I truly do extend my heartfelt sympathy to those victims of the
recent natural disaster in India, my duty remains to protect the U.S.
taxpayer and uphold the constitutional limits of our Federal
Government. For this reason and each of those detailed above, I must
oppose this resolution.
Mr. ACKERMAN. Mr. Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the gentlewoman from
California (Ms. Solis).
Ms. SOLIS. Mr. Speaker, I too rise in support of House Concurrent
Resolution 15.
A few weeks ago, Mr. Speaker, we heard of a devastating earthquake
also in El Salvador. Here we go again, another earthquake that has
profoundly affected the citizens of India.
As a former representative of the State of California, I had the
privilege of working with the Indo-American community in the State of
California to help establish a trade office there. I know that these
individuals, both there and abroad, their families right now deserve
our utmost support and sympathy, and particularly any humanitarian aids
that we might provide.
I stand here before my colleagues, as a California representative,
asking for full support and effort on behalf of our country for those
mostly affected in the great country of India.
Mr. HYDE. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from
Florida (Mr. Foley).
Mr. FOLEY. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman from Illinois for
bringing this quickly to the floor. Having just returned from India, I
wish to express my deepest sympathy to the many victims of the recent
earthquake. India is a beautiful country, with so many wonderful
people. The scope of this disaster is just hard to imagine. Traveling
across the country, I was amazed by the diversity in the culture and
the hospitality of the hosts.
The devastation caused by this natural disaster has taken the lives
of over 10,000 people but has impacted countless others, both in India
and here in the United States. In my own district, the American-Indian
community is very strong, and I am honored to consider many of them my
friends.
It is difficult to imagine the magnitude of the devastation in India
as we speak hear on the floor today, but I am deeply moved by the
mobilization of the Indian community in response to this tragedy.
Let me borrow a quote from the inaugural address of President Bush.
``Never tiring, never yielding, never finishing, we renew that purpose
today; to make our country more just and generous; to affirm the
dignity of our lives and every life. This work continues. This story
goes on.'' That is America, there to help in time of need.
So I would encourage all Americans to consider contributing to one of
the many aid organizations that participate in the recovery and aid the
mission in India. I urge my colleagues to support this resolution, and
I thank all who participated in bringing it to the floor today.
Mr. ACKERMAN. Mr. Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the gentlewoman from
the Virgin Islands (Mrs. Christensen) .
(Mrs. CHRISTENSEN asked and was given permission to revise and extend
her remarks.)
Mrs. CHRISTENSEN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to join my colleagues in
support of House Concurrent Resolution 15 expressing sympathy for the
victims of the devastating earthquake that struck India on January 26,
2001 and support for aid efforts.
Relative to our population size, the Virgin Islands proportionately
has one of the largest Indian communities in the United States. In many
communities of the Caribbean, people who trace their ancestry to India
make up an important part of the fabric of those societies. So on
behalf of the Virgin Islands' community I wanted to join my colleagues
in expressing our sympathy and concern, but more importantly in
encouraging our country's support.
One finds it difficult to imagine how a Nation will cope with a
tragedy which estimates total deaths possibly as many as 100,000
people. They can only do so with our and the world's help.
I want to commend President Bush for his quick response in offering
assistance to the people of India. Likewise, I want to commend the
Speaker; our minority leader, the gentleman from Missouri (Mr.
Gephardt); and my other colleagues for doing the same with this
resolution today, and I urge its support.
Mr. HYDE. Mr. Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the gentleman from
Michigan (Mr. Smith).
Mr. SMITH of Michigan. Mr. Speaker, I thank the chairman.
As chairman of the subcommittee on science that oversees what we do
on earthquakes in the United States, I would like to sort of make two
comments. Number one, we are going to do whatever we can in this
country to relieve some of the suffering and some of the damage that
has been caused by earthquakes in India, so certainly I support this
resolution. But I would like to call to all my colleagues' attention,
to the attention of the American people, that this is not isolated to
some other country; something that might happen someplace else.
We have had serious earthquakes in the United States and will
continue to have very serious earthquakes. The Loma Prieta earthquake
was an estimated $6 billion worth of property loss in addition to human
life. And of course the Northridge in 1994 was an estimated $40 billion
loss of property as well as a great deal of damage to our physical
health and well-being in California. It is a challenge.
We have passed a bill this past year which is probably the most
aggressive effort in giving us a better time frame to determine what we
can do in that short time period to reduce the damage to human and
physical property.
{time} 1115
Mr. ACKERMAN. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to yield 1 minute to the
gentlewoman from Illinois (Ms. Schakowsky).
Ms. SCHAKOWSKY. Mr. Speaker, on behalf of the vibrant Indo-American
community in my district, many of whom who have relatives in Gujarat, I
rise in strong support of the resolution and thank the distinguished
co-chairman of our Caucus on India, the gentleman from Washington (Mr.
McDermott) and the gentleman from California (Mr. Royce), who I was
honored to travel with them and the President to India last year.
I am proud to be an original cosponsor of this resolution, which
expresses sympathy for the loss of lives and Congress' commitment to
help our ally, India, the world's largest democracy.
I know that USAID and other U.S. agencies are working hard to respond
to this crisis. It is also important that we all work to get accurate
information to our constituents so that they can know, in the earliest
time possible, what has happened to their loved ones.
I certainly pledge to do my part and am happy once again to
congratulate the authors of this resolution.
Mr. HYDE. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to yield 1\1/2\ minutes to the
distinguished gentleman from California (Mr. Ose).
Mr. OSE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today on behalf of the people of the
Third Congressional District to express our deepest sympathies to the
people of India for the losses suffered in the recent earthquake in
Gujurat.
As we see the victim toll continue to rise, I pledge my support to
those efforts in aiding India and its people to recover and rebuild
their cities and their lives.
I hope that the Committee on Financial Services will take an
extensive look at helping India through the Asian Development Bank. The
U.S. contribution to the Asian Development Bank can provide an
effective way to help India rebuilt its cities and keep its society
going.
I applaud the Bush administration's active role and those of all
international organizations in supporting the people of India at this
time.
Mr. Speaker, I strongly support this resolution.
Mr. ACKERMAN. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to yield 1 minute to the
gentlewoman from California (Mrs. Capps) a member of the committee.
Mrs. CAPPS. Mr. Speaker, it is with such sadness that I rise today to
speak of the enormous tragedy which has befallen the Indian people. The
earthquake that struck Gujarat on January 26 has taken such a toll and
the suffering continues.
[[Page H124]]
I recently had the opportunity to travel to India and witnessed
firsthand the grandeur of this great nation. I experienced the
generosity and warmth of the Indian people and benefitted from their
friendship.
The Indian people have overcome many challenges to become a great
leader in technology and commerce. As the world's largest democracy,
India is a great friend to the United States and an important ally. I
trust we all are and will do all we can to help our friends in this,
their time of need.
I commend the efforts in my district through a nonprofit agency,
Direct Relief International, where shipments of medical supplies are on
their way in a coordinated effort. I know that this aid we send cannot
end their suffering, but we must reach out a helping hand and our
prayers to our friends in India and to Indian Americans here at home.
Mr. HYDE. Mr. Speaker, how much time do I have remaining?
The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. Latham). The gentleman from Illinois
(Mr. Hyde) has 2\1/2\ minutes remaining, and the gentleman from New
York (Mr. Ackerman) has 7\1/2\ minutes remaining.
Mr. HYDE. Mr. Speaker, I am very pleased to yield 2 minutes to the
gentleman from New Jersey (Mr. Ferguson).
(Mr. FERGUSON asked and was given permission to revise and extend his
remarks.)
Mr. FERGUSON. Mr. Speaker, as my colleagues know, on January 26 of
this year, India suffered a tragic and deadly earthquake that stole the
lives of thousands. It is with my deepest and heartfelt sympathies that
I offer my prayers for all those affected by the earthquakes in western
India.
I have spoken with Indian Americans in my district in New Jersey who
are experiencing tremendous grief. My thoughts are with them and their
family and friends and all of those who have been affected by this
unbelievably tragic event.
Now that several days have passed and the critical threshold for time
for the rescue of survivors is dwindling, I can only point to the
recovery of a 7-year-old child, who was found in the arms of her
deceased mother, as a sign of hope that there are still survivors. It
is faith that has kept these survivors alive. We must not lose ours.
In the aftermath of these earthquakes, the people of India have shown
an enormous display of strength, courage, and determination. We must
support the thousands of survivors who have been left in shock and who
are in desperate need of medical care, food and shelter.
We must ensure that the United States and international aid is
delivered to provide both economic and disaster assistance in order to
alleviate the suffering of the people of India in a timely fashion.
Mr. ACKERMAN. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to yield 2 minutes to the
distinguished gentleman from New Jersey (Mr. Menendez).
(Mr. MENENDEZ asked and was given permission to revise and extend his
remarks.)
Mr. MENENDEZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise to express my strong support for
the resolution before us, which expresses our deep sorrow and sympathy
for the horrifying earthquake that devastated India, the world's
largest democracy, on January 26.
In spite of this enormous natural disaster, the will of the Indian
people perseveres as they try to recover and meet the latest challenge
placed before them. Many of my constituents have family, friends and
loved ones that live in Gujurat, the hardest-hit region, and my
thoughts and prayers are with them.
Our shared democratic values and commitment to the rule of law and
basic freedoms demonstrate why it is in America's interest to assist
India, a growing trading partner, in its full recovery. While the
Agency for International Development has already provided several
millions of dollars in emergency humanitarian and disaster assistance,
I hope President Bush will seek to do more.
Even though the earthquake will have a negative impact on India's
growing economy, India should continue with its bold economic
liberalization and revitalization efforts. Through those efforts, the
United States will remain its largest foreign trading partner and
investor.
The Indian-American community, which has played a strong and
productive role in strengthening ties between India and the United
States, has responded strongly in the midst of their overwhelming
grief. The effects of this unfolding tragedy will be felt over time,
but it remains necessary to continue with relief efforts and begin to
consider the long-term steps necessary to help India rebuild itself.
I hope our Government will continue to support the relief efforts of
AID, private voluntary organizations, and international financial
institutions to supplement for the vigorous efforts of the Indian
government as it helps its citizens recover and rebuild their lives. It
gives us the sense of universality of our citizens, the citizens of the
world. And in moments of need, this is the time which the United States
has a tremendous opportunity to help.
Mr. HYDE. Mr. Speaker, I have no further requests for time, and I
yield back the balance of my time.
Mr. ACKERMAN. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to yield 1 minute to the
distinguished gentleman from the State of Illinois (Mr. Davis), the
original conceiver of this resolution before us today, who has been
very gracious in cooperating both with the leadership and with the
women members of our delegation to allow them to speak before him, as
well.
(Mr. DAVIS of Illinois asked and was given permission to revise and
extend his remarks.)
Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, I want to thank the gentleman
from Illinois (Speaker Hastert), the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Armey),
the majority leader, and my colleague, the gentleman from Illinois (Mr.
Hyde) for their sensitivity in expediting this important resolution to
the floor.
I also take this opportunity to commend and thank the gentleman from
Washington (Mr. McDermott) and the gentleman from California (Mr.
Royce), the co-chairs of the Caucus on India, for their leadership in
drafting this important resolution.
I was also pleased to have a resolution which I submitted rolled in
this one so that there would be one strong resolution and one strong
display of unity.
I rise today on behalf of the people of the Seventh Congressional
District of Illinois to offer support, sympathy and condolences to the
people of India in light of what has been called one of the most
deadliest and most devastating earthquakes ever to strike that country.
On Friday, January 26, India was struck by a devastating earthquake
that measured 7.9 on the Richter scale. The earthquake has flattened
the second most industrialized city in India. In addition, to causing
massive destruction to the infrastructure of India--thousands of lives
have been lost. As of today, the official death toll stands at more
than 7 thousand. According to Indian Defense Minister George Fernandes,
the death toll could go as high as 100 thousand, with twice as many
injured. Moreover, more than 200,000 people are said to be homeless as
a result of the devastating destruction to many of the buildings in
Western India. Thousands of India citizens remain traumatized by the
continuous strong tremors and aftershocks--some ranging up to 5.6
magnitude on the Richter scale, that continue to hit India.
Hundreds of thousands of persons are plagued with the prospect of no
food, no running water for bathing or cooking, no blankets to stay warm
and no working telephones to make contact with family.
But even in the midst of this tragedy, there are heartwarming stories
that must be told. For example, the enormous outpouring of aid from the
world community and especially Pakistan. Other stories include children
and babies being pulled out of the rubble after being buried for 3-4
days. The remarkable story of the human heart and how it is able to
triumph over tragedy. In Chicago, and other cities relief efforts are
underway. There are the remarkable doctors, nurses and other medical
personnel volunteering to work urgently against time to save as many
victims as possible. Their dedication to save life regardless of the
lack of medical supplies available to them, at times moving from victim
to victim without time to sterilize their medical instruments. I praise
the medical personnel who are doing everything possible to save their
fellow citizens during this tragic time in their country.
It is estimated that the damages caused by the earthquake will be
$5.5 billion. India is in need of mobile surgery units, simple
medications, bandages, splints, and electronic equipment to help search
for bodies buried in the rubble. India has already begun to receive aid
in forms of search dogs, cranes, generators, and experienced rescuers.
The United States
[[Page H125]]
has committed $5 million in aid to be sent to India.
I call on all citizens of the United States to assist India in its
rebuilding efforts. Crisis situations, like the one in India, calls for
genuine unity among nations. It has been predicted that the
rehabilitation and reconstruction may take another 10 to 20 years. The
need for support to India will continue to exist after the rubble has
been plowed away and the dead memorialized. This Resolution says that
we, as a nation, will continue to be by India's side during its
transformation back into a state of normalcy.
I want to commend the world community for its swift action and
response and especially the country of Pakistan. I also want to commend
all of the medical personnel, the doctors and nurses, and others who
have given so much of themselves so that they could be of help.
Mr. Speaker, I want to thank my new intern, Jennifer Luciano from
Loyola University. This was her first work effort, and I think she did
an outstanding job.
Mr. ACKERMAN. Mr. Speaker, it is my pleasure to yield 1\1/2\ minutes
to the distinguished gentleman from the State of Washington (Mr.
Inslee).
(Mr. INSLEE asked and was given permission to revise and extend his
remarks.)
Mr. INSLEE. Mr. Speaker, the depth of the suffering and tragedy in
India I think is obvious. But I think what is not, perhaps, obvious is
to the extent of how close our relationship will be with the Indian
people over the next several decades.
I would suggest that one of, and just one of the reasons we should
significantly increase our aid to India at this time is that we are
going to have a relationship with India, the world's largest democracy,
I believe, in the next several decades every bit as close and
important, as vital and productive as our previous relationship with
the continent of Europe in the last several centuries. And because of
that, we ought to significantly increase, is my belief, our commitment,
which, at this moment, stands at, I believe, $5 million.
My growing friendship with the Indo-American community, seeing the
creative talent that has come to our community in my district, which is
the major reason for the economic explosion in my district with their
creative talents, leads me to conclude that India is going to be every
bit as important as the European community.
I want to compliment the Bush administration in trying to assess the
damage in India. I have spoken to two assistant secretaries in the last
2 days about that. But I do want to encourage the executive authority
to significantly increase the aid on an emergency basis, even before we
can do an emergency supplemental. And the reason I say that is, the
executive staff does have the ability to do this at this time. There
are funds in the various accounts to be able to do so. And it is my
belief that this would be a tremendous step for the new administration
to take, to come up with an aid package in multiples of $5 million.
It would demonstrate the compassion that is the basic character of
the country, but it would also demonstrate that this new administration
intends to have a proactive beneficial international policy.
Mr. ACKERMAN. Mr. Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the distinguished
gentleman from the State of New Jersey (Mr. Holt).
(Mr. HOLT asked and was given permission to revise and extend his
remarks.)
Mr. HOLT. Mr. Speaker, while thousands of individuals celebrated
their domestic accomplishments and democratic government a week ago on
Republic Day, the earthquake shook the ground that they marched on and
turned a festivity into a disaster for hundreds of thousands.
Earlier this month, I had the privilege of traveling again in India,
a country rich in heritage, beauty and traditions, a country quickly
rising in economic power.
Now, however, despite the dismal reports, small glimmers of hope are
emerging from the darkness. Just yesterday, a 24-year-old computer
student, Veeral Dalal, a resident of my State of New Jersey, was
rescued in Bhuj after spending 4 days with only 8 inches of room
between him and a collapsed ceiling.
Americans are generous to those in need. We stand ready to offer
assistance. Mr. Dalal is just one example of how grief can be mitigated
with hope. But we must stand ready not only to offer help and rescue,
recovery, and emergency shelter and care, but also in the longer-term
efforts in community planning and reconstruction of a modern
infrastructure in keeping with the great country of India and our
growing closeness to democratic countries.
Mr. ACKERMAN. Mr. Speaker, may I inquire how much time is remaining?
The SPEAKER pro tempore. The gentleman from New York (Mr. Ackerman)
has 2 minutes remaining.
Mr. ACKERMAN. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to yield 1\1/2\ minutes to
the gentleman from New York (Mr. Crowley).
(Mr. CROWLEY asked and was given permission to revise and extend his
remarks.)
Mr. CROWLEY. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of House
Concurrent Resolution 15 offered by the gentleman from California (Mr.
Royce), the gentlemen from Illinois, Mr. Hyde and Mr. Davis, and the
gentleman from Washington (Mr. McDermott) and my good friend, the
gentleman from New York (Mr. Ackerman).
I wish to express my deepest sympathy to the victims of the
devastating earthquake that occurred on the morning of January 26 of
this year in the Indian state of Gujarat in western India and the
families of the victims both in India and the United States.
As a member of the Caucus on India and as a representative of a
sizable population from Gujarat and other parts of India in my home
district, I will do everything I can to help my constituents reach out
to their families and friends who suffered tremendous losses as a
result of this terrible event.
{time} 1130
I will be meeting with leaders of the Indian community in my district
this Thursday to talk about the relief efforts that are under way thus
far.
I wish to commend the gentlemen from California, Illinois, New York,
and Washington for their leadership in rapidly responding to the
Gujarat earthquake over the last several days. I also want to extend my
thanks to the Bush administration, Secretary Powell, and USAID for
their quick response to the situation in India and the release of
emergency funding.
As my colleagues have done, I urge the Bush administration to
increase the amount of technical and monetary support both for
immediate disaster relief as well as for long-term reconstruction of
the Gujarat state economy. I also urge the Bush administration to
support World Bank funding for earthquake relief.
Mr. ACKERMAN. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
I just want to conclude by thanking the distinguished new chairman of
the House Committee on International Relations on what appears to be
his first successful handling of a bill in that committee on the floor.
He shows a lot of promise.
Mrs. MALONEY of New York. Mr. Speaker, I was deeply saddened by the
news of the earthquake in India's Gujarat state and would like to offer
my sincerest condolences to the families of India. In this time of
tragedy, the people of India can be assured that we will stand by them
and continue to offer our support. We will do all we can to aid those
who are suffering and those who must begin the difficult process of
rebuilding.
Mr. DOYLE. Mr. Speaker, I stand before the House today with a heavy
heart to express my profound sorrow and sympathy for the victims of the
Gujarat earthquake in India.
This terrible act of nature destroyed thousands of homes and
businesses, crippled roads and bridges, and unleashed raging fires.
But, my colleagues, the most devastating toll of destruction resulting
from last Friday's earthquake is not on the physical structures in
India, but on the citizens of India themselves. Tens of thousands of
Indian people were killed as a result of this earthquake, and a myriad
of others were critically injured.
Mr. Speaker, I know from my personal involvement with the Indian-
American community in my congressional district and from my service on
the Caucus on India and Indian-Americans that the people of India and
the United States have long enjoyed a hearty and prosperous friendship.
I am also very aware of the strong sense of community and social
responsibility that Indian-Americans possess. When a tragedy of this
magnitude occurs, the Indian people both domestic and abroad, rally
[[Page H126]]
this spirit of community and fellowship to help the plight of those
suffering from harm.
We too must answer this call to service and community, and reaffirm
our support for the people of India in this time of dire need. That is
why I became an original cosponsor of House Concurrent Resolution 15,
which officially recognizes and encourages efforts to alleviate the
suffering of the people of India. I fully support continuing and
increasing the amount of disaster assistance provided to India by the
United States Agency for International Development, and encourage other
financial institutions such as the World Bank to provide economic
assistance.
While no amount of money could ever hope to replace the loss of life,
we can endeavor to ease the suffering and help the reconstruction
efforts of those survivors left to pick up the pieces. I am pleased
that H. Con. Res. 15 passed the House overwhelmingly earlier this
afternoon. Once again, Mr. Speaker, let me express my condolences to
the victims of the Indian earthquake.
Mr. WELDON of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to come before the
House today and pledge support to H. Con. Res. 15, a concurrent
resolution expressing sympathy for those suffering due to the
devastating earthquake in India. As a member of the India Caucus I want
to commend Representatives McDermott and Royce who introduced this
resolution and so quickly brought it to the House floor.
On January 26, an earthquake measuring 7.9 on the Richter Scale
occurred in western India. The epicenter of the earthquake was located
12 miles northeast of Bhuj in Gujarat State, India. Since January 26,
there have been 77 confirmed aftershocks, 19 of which registered above
5.0 on the Richter Scale. On January 28, two aftershocks caused
additional structural damage. Pakistan, Nepal, and Bangladesh were also
impacted. The earthquake was the most powerful to strike India since
August 15, 1950, when an 8.5-magnitude earthquake killed 1,538 people
in northeastern Assam state.
This enormous tragedy has left tens of thousands of people dead,
hundreds of thousands homeless, and the region's infrastructure
devastated. The state of Gujarat and the entire nation of India face an
enormous task of rebuilding. Friday's quake flattened two cities in
India's western Gujarat state, and government officials said thousands
are injured or still missing.
In addition to the relief assistance already being provided by the
Government of India, I am here today to support United States efforts
as well. On January 27, the United States Agency for International
Development/Office of U.S. Foreign Disaster Assistance (USAID/OFDA)
announced that it is prepared to provide $5 million in emergency
humanitarian assistance. Mr. Speaker, the United States has a long
history of support for other nations in their time of need. And I join
other Members of the Congress in supporting these efforts for India.
I am pleased to be working with members of the Indian community in my
congressional district to expedite assistance to those in need.
My prayers are with those affected by the earthquake and those in my
district and other Americans who have family and friends in India.
Mr. LEVIN. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of House Concurrent
Resolution 15, which expresses Congress' sympathy to the citizens of
Gujarat, India, for the devastating losses suffered as a result of last
week's deadly earthquake. This resolution urges economic and disaster
assistance to help the victims of this disaster rebuild their lives. As
an original cosponsor of House Concurrent Resolution 15, and a longtime
friend of India, I urge all my colleagues to join me in voting for this
measure.
This tragedy has cost the lives of tens of thousand in India, injured
more than 100,000, and displaced more than a half million men, women,
and children. Fires still burn throughout the devastated region. The
damage to the region is expected to exceed $5.5 billion. In the face of
such a catastrophe, it is imperative that the global community actively
respond. Already, nations around the globe, and countless non-
governmental organizations, have offered assistance to India. We in the
United States can do no less. I commend President Bush for quickly
offering assistance to India, and urge my colleagues to do still more.
I offer my condolences to the people of India, and especially the
victims of the Gujarat earthquake and their families. I thank my
colleagues, Mr. McDermott and Mr. Royce, for offering this resolution,
and urge all my colleagues to support it.
Mr. LANTOS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H. Con. Res. 15
which expresses the sympathy and support of the American people and the
U.S. Congress to the victims of the devastating earthquake in western
India. On Friday, January 26, the Indian State of Gujarat was struck by
a massive quake which was felt across the subcontinent from Pakistan to
Nepal and Bangladesh. For Gujarat, the calamity was overwhelming--
thousands have lost their lives and countless others have been rendered
homeless and destitute.
The Government of India has been coping heroically in the face of
such widespread destruction. The Indian Armed Forces have been the
backbone of this response, joined by thousands of ordinary people who
have put aside their own personal loss to help save lives and provide
assistance to others.
The aftershocks of the quake can be felt around the world and in our
own country as thousands of Indian-Americans face the loss of loved
ones.
I want to commend the Bush administration and the U.S. Agency for
International Development for immediately responding to the emergency
by providing $5 million in humanitarian assistance and dispatching a
plane load of supplies and relief experts to the region.
I also want to commend the American people, particularly the Indian-
American community for their tremendous outpouring of concern and
offers of assistance to the victims of the disaster. As we have seen
time and again, during the recent earthquake in El Salvador and other
foreign disasters, the generosity and caring of the American people
knows no boundaries.
The world community has also recognized the enormity of this disaster
and aid has been flooding in from all corners. But I am afraid that
even this generous response will be inadequate in the face of such
overwhelming destruction.
This resolution pledges the support of the U.S. Congress to provide
additional assistance to the Indian Government and the people of
Gujarat as they try to rebuild their lives and their country.
In light of the very special relationship between the United States
and India, I think it is important that we send this message of
solidarity and hope to the people of India.
There will be dark days ahead for the people of India as they dig out
from beneath the rubble, cremate the dead and try to piece together
their lives and livelihoods. But they can take comfort from the fact
that they are not alone in facing this challenge. America and the world
will stand by India in its hour of need.
I urge my colleagues to support this resolution.
Mr. STARK. Mr. Speaker, today, I rise in support of this resolution
expressing sympathy for the victims of the January 26, 2001, earthquake
in India. The earthquake and the subsequent aftershocks have killed
tens of thousands of people.
On the heels of a large earthquake and mudslides in El Salvador, the
earthquake in India has again challenged the international community to
respond to people in need. And again we have responded with
overwhelming support. Countries from the United States to Great Britain
to Israel to countries around the world responded with humanitarian
aid.
Most heartening is the aid provided by Pakistan. Despite the ongoing
conflict over the disputed territory along the Indian-Pakistani border,
Pakistan has reached out to its neighbor to help in a time of need,
just as India has during natural disasters that have devastated
Pakistan. It is my hope that through this tragedy these two enemies can
put aside their differences to create a lasting peace.
I applaud the pledge of support by USAID, and hope that this Congress
will provide further resources to help the people of India recover from
this disaster. This resolution also commits the Congress to providing
additional funding to disaster assistance. It is my hope that when it
comes time to appropriate this money, this body will consider disaster
assistance a higher priority than a tax cut or an aircraft carrier or a
national missile defense system. Wherever and whenever there are people
suffering around the world the United States should respond to those
people in need through support of international efforts. We should make
it the cornerstone of our foreign policy to help those who suffer from
not only natural disasters, but also those who suffer under inhumane
sanctions, disease, and war.
On behalf of the many Indian-Americans and constituents in my
district, I join with my colleagues in expressing our deepest
sympathies with the people who have lost family members, homes, and
businesses in this disaster. I am confident that with the outpouring of
international aid and support coupled with the enduring resilience of
the Indian people, that they will be able to rebuild and continue to
move forward. Also, we thank all those individuals, organizations, and
countries who respond to disasters throughout the world.
Mr. CLAY. Mr. Speaker, as the devastating results of the earthquake
in Gujarat, India continue to unfold before the world's eyes, I believe
I speak for all citizens of the United States when I say sorrow fills
every heart and soul.
When tragedy of this magnitude strikes, its impact is not isolated by
physical boundaries. The pain is felt by the entire world. Let us, as
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individuals, remember that while we have all experienced loss in our
own lives at one time or another, many Indian families lost everything
they had in one devastating moment. Therefore, let us, as members of
local communities, reach out to our Indian friends, neighbors and
coworkers and do all that we can to ease their pain and suffering. Let
us, as a country, use the resources we've been blessed with to help the
Indian government cope with this widespread destruction and loss of
life.
Personally, I send my deepest sympathy to those families affected by
this cataclysmic disaster. I, along with my family and my staff, also
extend our hearts and hands to the Indian community here in America.
With humbled hearts, we will pray for strength for the Indian nation.
Mr. BEREUTER. Mr. Speaker, this Member rises today in support of H.
Con. Res. 15, which expresses sympathy for the victims of the
devastating earthquake that struck India on January 26, 2001, and
provides support for ongoing aid efforts.
This Member would like to thank the distinguished gentleman from
California (Mr. Royce) for introducing this sense of the Congress
resolution and for his efforts in bringing this measure to the House
floor today.
As is well known, on the morning of January 26, 2001, a deadly
earthquake shook the state of Gujarat in western India, which injured
and killed untold thousands of people and has left the building
infrastructure in ruin.
India has appealed to the World Bank, the Asian Development Bank, and
the international community for the economic assistance to meet the
relief needs facing India. It is important to note that the Asian
Development Bank promotes development in the Asia-Pacific region
through project investment lending, policy reform lending and advice,
and technical assistance.
As the chairman of the Financial Services Subcommittee on
International Monetary Policy and Trade, which has jurisdiction over
the World Bank and the regional development banks such as the Asian
Development Bank, this Member wants to convey his strong support for
these aid efforts for India.
This sense of the Congress resolution was referred to both the House
Financial Services and House International Relations Committee. As a
member of both of these committees, this Member would like to encourage
his colleagues to vote in support of H. Con. Res. 15.
Mr. BALLENGER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of this
resolution recognizing the recent tragedy in India as a result of a
devastating earthquake and the horrific loss of life experienced by the
Indian nation.
I want to commend the gentleman from Washington for introducing the
original resolution.
Mr. Speaker, at the same time we are expressing our sympathy and
support for the people of India, I want to call to the attention of my
colleagues another tragic earthquake which recently hit El Salvador
with equally horrific devastation and loss of life.
On January 13 an earthquake with a magnitude of 7.6, only 3 tenths of
a point less powerful than the earthquake in India, rocked El Salvador.
It is estimated that close to 1,000 people lost their lives, with
another 4,000 injured.
Recently, I visited El Salvador along with several of my colleagues
and witnessed first hand the tragedy which has engulfed that nation. We
were told that over 75,000 houses were destroyed and another 118,000
damaged ultimately affecting well over 1 million Salvadorans.
Mr. Speaker, just when the people of El Salvador seemed to have
recovered from the devastating effects of Hurricane Mitch, this tragedy
hits forcing new sacrifices from an already battered population.
But as they did after Mitch, the people of El Salvador have already
begun to put their lives back together with a fierce spirit of self-
determination, and a lot of help from friends far and wide.
And although we are dealing here with the tragedy in India, I want to
recognized the valiant efforts of the people of El Salvador, the hard
work of their President, Flores and other government officials for
their tireless efforts. I especially want to commend the dedicated
people at the Agency for International Development and their Office of
Foreign Disaster Assistance for their rapid reaction to this disaster
and for the aid they provided on a moments notice and continue to
provide today as Salvador recovers.
Mr. Speaker, we all recognize the horror of these kinds of tragedies
and the toll they take on the people of the nation affected. I want to
salute those brave men and women in both India and El Salvador for the
sacrifices they have made in these times of tragedy.
I urge support of this resolution and for the people of India and El
Salvador.
Mr. ACKERMAN. Mr. Speaker, I have no further requests for time, and I
yield back the balance of my time.
The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. Latham). The question is on the motion
offered by the gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Hyde) that the House
suspend the rules and agree to the concurrent resolution, H. Con. Res.
15.
The question was taken.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. In the opinion of the Chair, two-thirds of
those present have voted in the affirmative.
Mr. ACKERMAN. Mr. Speaker, on that I demand the yeas and nays.
The yeas and nays were ordered.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to clause 8 of rule XX and the
Chair's prior announcement, further proceedings on this motion will be
postponed.
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