[Congressional Record Volume 147, Number 18 (Thursday, February 8, 2001)]
[Senate]
[Page S1234]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




EXPRESSING SYMPATHY FOR THE VICTIMS OF THE DEVASTATING EARTHQUAKE IN EL 
                                SALVADOR

  Mr. NICKLES. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the Senate 
proceed to the consideration of Calendar No. 11, S. Res. 18.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. The clerk will report the resolution by title.
  The legislative clerk read as follows:

       A resolution (S. Res. 18) expressing sympathy for the 
     victims of the devastating earthquake that struck El Salvador 
     on January 13, 2001.

  There being no objection, the Senate proceeded to consider the 
resolution.
  Mr. NICKLES. 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 any statements relating to the 
resolution be printed in the Record.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered.
  The resolution (S. Res. 18) was agreed to.
  The preamble was agreed to.
  The resolution, with its preamble, reads as follows:

                               S. Res. 18

       Whereas, on the morning of January 13, 2001, a devastating 
     and deadly earthquake of a magnitude of 7.6 on the Richter 
     scale shook the entire nation of El Salvador, killing more 
     than 700 people, injuring more than 3,000, and leaving more 
     than 50,000 homeless;
       Whereas the earthquake of January 13, 2001, has left 
     thousands of buildings in ruin, caused deadly landslides, and 
     destroyed highways and other infrastructure;
       Whereas the strength, courage, and determination of the 
     people of El Salvador has been displayed since the 
     earthquake;
       Whereas El Salvador is still recovering from years of civil 
     war, hurricane damage, and flood damage;
       Whereas the people of the United States and El Salvador 
     share strong friendship and mutual interests and respect;
       Whereas some United States specialists from Costa Rica and 
     Miami, including specialists from the Miami-Dade Fire Rescue 
     Department, were deployed to assist disaster relief efforts 
     in El Salvador;
       Whereas United States military personnel from the United 
     States Southern Command are providing some technical 
     assistance;
       Whereas the USAID/Disaster Assistance Response Team (DART) 
     has set up an office in El Salvador's National Emergency 
     Committee (COEN) to assist the office in its coordination 
     efforts and to ensure access to the latest information; and
       Whereas the United Nations launched an appeal for 
     humanitarian assistance and initial rehabilitation to address 
     the devastation caused by the powerful earthquake: Now, 
     therefore, be it
       Resolved, That the Senate--
       (1) expresses its deepest sympathies to the people of El 
     Salvador and other Central American countries for the tragic 
     losses suffered as a result of the earthquake of January 13, 
     2001;
       (2) expresses its support for the people of El Salvador 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;
       (4) recognizes the important role that is being played by 
     the United States and other countries in providing assistance 
     to alleviate the suffering of the people of El Salvador; and
       (5) encourages a continued commitment by the United States 
     and other countries to the long-term, sustainable development 
     of El Salvador.

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