[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 54 (Thursday, April 3, 2003)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E683]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




        SUPPORT AMERICAN-GROWN HUMANITARIAN ASSISTANCE TO IRAQ!

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                            HON. BOB FILNER

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, April 3, 2003

  Mr. FILNER. Mr. Speaker and colleagues, I recently introduced a 
resolution supporting humanitarian assistance from the United States to 
Iraq. H. Con. Res. 127 reinforces the ideal that we should send 
American-grown and made products to Iraq--and on American ships!
  The United States obviously has a deep and enduring interest in the 
welfare of the citizens of Iraq who have been living under the regime 
of Saddam Hussein for decades. Iraq is currently suffering a 
humanitarian crisis that could worsen during Operation Iraqi Freedom.
  An estimated 4.5 million to 10 million people in Iraq, about 40 
percent of the population, will require food assistance within a few 
weeks. Unfortunately, most of the warehouses in Iraq that store food 
under the ``Oil-for-Food'' program are empty. There are few food 
reserves in Iraq. If action is not taken to address this shortfall, 
people will die of starvation.
  Now that Operation Iraqi Freedom has begun, it is our duty to 
recognize the need for, and prepare for, the delivery of humanitarian 
and reconstruction assistance to the people of Iraq. It is our 
obligation to provide American-grown commodities, such as wheat, to 
Iraq!
  Food security will be significant in improving the quality of life 
the people of Iraq. Providing United States agricultural commodities to 
Iraq will help alleviate the humanitarian crisis there, as well as help 
strengthen our Nation's economy. Our Nation's farmers would certainly 
be proud to supply humanitarian assistance to a country in great need. 
Further, our United States maritime industry would be honored to ship 
supplies to Iraq in order to help with this critical effort.
  In addition, the Department of Defense recently created the Office of 
Reconstruction and Humanitarian Assistance. This office is a 
coordinated effort between government agencies in order to plan and 
implement assistance programs in a post-war Iraq. The resolution I have 
introduced commends the Department of Defense for recognizing the need 
for, and taking an inter-agency approach to, the delivery of 
humanitarian and reconstruction assistance for Iraq.
  Mr. Speaker, we can, and must, help to improve the living conditions 
of the civilian population of Iraq! The fact that we can do this with 
American products makes this humanitarian effort all the more 
beneficial, significant, and crucial!

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