[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 109 (Tuesday, July 22, 2003)]
[Senate]
[Page S9737]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


                         SUBMITTED RESOLUTIONS

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   SENATE RESOLUTION 198--EXPRESSING SYMPATHY FOR THE VICTIMS OF THE 
       DEVASTATING EARTHQUAKE THAT STRUCK ALGERIA ON MAY 21, 2003

  Mr. BROWNBACK (for himself, Mr. Biden, and Mr. Inhofe) submitted the 
following resolution; which was referred to the Committee on Foreign 
Relations:

                              S. Res. 198

       Whereas on the evening of May 21, 2003, a devastating and 
     deadly earthquake of a magnitude of 6.8 on the Richter scale 
     and with a depth of 6 miles struck northern Algeria, killing 
     more than 2,260 people, injuring more than 10,000 others, and 
     leaving more than 200,000 people homeless;
       Whereas the earthquake of May 21, 2003, has left thousands 
     of buildings in ruins and has severely disrupted health 
     services, water supply lines, electricity, and 
     telecommunications in Algeria;
       Whereas severe aftershocks with magnitudes greater than 4.0 
     have continued to terrify the people of Algeria and hamper 
     rescue efforts;
       Whereas the strength, courage, and determination of the 
     people and Government of Algeria has been displayed since the 
     earthquake;
       Whereas the people of the United States and Algeria share 
     strong friendship and mutual respect;
       Whereas the United States airlifted to the earthquake-
     affected population 174,000 blankets, 1,800 tents, electrical 
     equipment, water purification kits, and 3 medical supply kits 
     sufficient to benefit 10,000 people for at least 3 months;
       Whereas the United States has provided $50,000 to the 
     Algerian Red Crescent Society for emergency relief supplies; 
     and
       Whereas the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) has 
     launched an emergency appeal for humanitarian and relief 
     assistance to address the devastation in Algeria that was 
     caused by the powerful earthquake: Now, therefore, be it
       Resolved, That the Senate--
       (1) expresses its deepest sympathies to the people of 
     Algeria and particularly to the families of the victims and 
     the survivors for the tragic losses suffered as a result of 
     the earthquake that struck Algeria on May 21, 2003;
       (2) expresses its support for the people and to the 
     Government of Algeria as they continue their efforts to 
     rebuild their cities and their lives;
       (3) expresses support for humanitarian assistance provided 
     by the United States Agency for International Development and 
     other American and international relief organizations;
       (4) recognizes the important role that is being performed 
     by the United States and the international community in 
     providing assistance to alleviate the suffering of the people 
     of Algeria; and
       (5) encourages the continued commitment by the United 
     States and other countries and international organizations to 
     the rebuilding of the earthquake-affected areas in Algeria.

  Mr. BROWNBACK. Mr. President, I rise to submit a resolution 
expressing sympathy for the victims of the devastating earthquake that 
struck Algeria on May 21, 2003.
  Algeria, a North African nation and former colony of France, was 
rocked by an enormous earthquake registering 6.8 on the Richter scale 
on May 21 killing more than 2,000 people, injuring 10,000 and leaving 
hundreds of thousands homeless.
  I rise to extend my heartfelt sympathy to the Algerian people and to 
encourage the United States to commit itself to help Algerians pick up 
their lives and move past this tragedy.
  President Bush committed funds to the Algerian Red Crescent Society, 
and the U.S. airlifted disaster supplies, including blankets, tents, 
medical supply kits.
  It is important that in Algeria's hour of need that we act as a 
humane Nation. The kindness of a compassionate America can help heal 
the wounds of Algeria.
  We must define ourselves as a nation by the goodness and compassion 
we extend to our fellow human beings who inhabit this world with us.
  Though it is not simply in our self-interest, we should be careful to 
view our compassionate acts as instruments of goodwill presenting the 
case for American leadership to the world. These acts of compassion can 
serve to further our interests while reinforcing the American ideal as 
something other nations would want to attain.
  Thomas Jefferson stated that America ``should have an Empire for 
Liberty,'' meeting a moral obligation to defend and promote freedom 
throughout the world. That remains for any American foreign policy, but 
is only buttressed by our willingness to serve our fellow man.
  It would be a tragedy in this case if we were to wait for our ship to 
come in; we should swim out to meet it. Algeria can be the mark where 
America as a leading moral nation can greet his fellow suffering man 
with open arms and mercy.
  Mr. INHOFE. Mr. President, on May 21 of this year a devastating 
earthquake shook lives in Algeria and across the world. Two thousand 
two hundred people were killed, 10,000 were injured, and 200,000 more 
were left homeless. In response, support from the international 
community has been overwhelming. The United Nations Disaster Assessment 
and Coordination Team estimates that 85 international flights from 27 
different countries landed in Algiers to assist in the emergency relief 
efforts. Officials in Algeria state that more than 30,000 government 
workers and 10,000 military personnel were involved in relief 
activities. The United States alone has given over $1.3 million in 
assistance, providing blankets, tents, and medical supplies.
  Furthermore I am pleased that many businesses from my home State of 
Oklahoma are now helping in the reconstruction. They will bring to 
Algeria the best resources and equipment available to help rebuild the 
fallen cities. LWPB Architects, Atkins-Benham Constructors and Terex 
Road Building Group are among the participating companies.
  I am pleased to cosponsor this resolution by my colleague from Kansas 
that expresses our deepest sympathies for the victims of this tragedy. 
It is our hope that through this international partnership, Algeria 
will arise a stronger nation.

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