[Congressional Record Volume 147, Number 16 (Tuesday, February 6, 2001)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E107]
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

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                               speech of

                        HON. ROD R. BLAGOJEVICH

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, January 31, 2001

  Mr. BLAGOJEVICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise to express my sympathy for the 
victims of the earthquake in Gujarat state in India, and I am proud to 
be a cosponsor of this resolution, which demonstrates our commitment 
here in Congress to the victims of this tragedy.
  Over the past few days, Americans have been confronted with images of 
the devastation in Western India. Of course, Americans of Indian 
descent have been concerned for their family and friends. But no 
American who saw the extent of the tragedy in Gujarat could be unmoved 
by the fate of the citizens of our sister democracy. Americans and 
Indians share a bond forged by shared values. And that bond has 
motivated Americans to ask their government to play an active role in 
assisting the victims of this earthquake.
  Thankfully, the administration has been quick to respond. By Sunday 
morning, an assessment team from the United States Agency for 
International Development was on the ground in Gujarat, determining 
needs and offering immediate comfort to victims. Since that time, the 
United States has provided generators, water purification equipment, 
tents and food to assist the survivors. The United States is continuing 
to work with relief agencies to get more critical assistance into the 
crisis zone as soon as possible. My colleagues and I in the Caucus for 
India and Indo-Americans have been working with the administration to 
minimize any roadblocks which could prevent the delivery of assistance.
  I commend the administration for their quick response. But we here in 
Congress must ensure that as the immediate shock of this tragedy fades, 
our commitment to the victims does not fade along with it. Long after 
this earthquake passes from the headlines of American papers, we need 
to remember that people in Gujarat will be working to rebuild their 
homes, their businesses, and their lives. The leaders of our nation, 
the world's oldest democracy, must never forget our bond with the 
people of India, the world's largest democracy. I have written to the 
President and the Director of the United States Agency for 
International Development to urge them to show their commitment to 
assist India in the aftermath of this crisis. I will be working over 
the coming months to ensure that the United States provides what ever 
is necessary to ease the suffering of the victims of the Gujarat 
earthquake.

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