[Congressional Record Volume 150, Number 25 (Tuesday, March 2, 2004)]
[House]
[Pages H724-H726]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




     EXPRESSING SYMPATHY OF HOUSE FOR VICTIMS OF EARTHQUAKE IN IRAN

  Mr. HYDE. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to the 
resolution (H. Res. 526) expressing the sympathy of the House of 
Representatives for the victims of the devastating earthquake that 
occurred on December 26, 2003, in Bam, Iran.
  The Clerk read as follows:

                              H. Res. 526

       Whereas approximately 40,000 men, women, and children, 
     including a United States citizen, perished in an earthquake 
     that occurred on December 26, 2003, in Bam, Iran;
       Whereas the people of the United States immediately 
     expressed their sincerest sympathy by sending aid to the 
     victims of the earthquake in Iran;
       Whereas 90 percent of the 2,000 year-old city of Bam was 
     destroyed;
       Whereas the magnificent buildings in Bam belonged not only 
     to the people of Iran, but to our common world heritage;
       Whereas President George W. Bush lifted sanctions on Iran 
     temporarily in order to enable United States relief 
     organizations to swiftly send aid to Bam;
       Whereas United States aid channeled through United States-
     based relief organizations and charities has been warmly 
     welcomed by the people of Iran;
       Whereas United States aid workers have been received with 
     generosity and great appreciation in Iran;
       Whereas the United States generosity has confirmed that the 
     United States holds no ill will toward the people of Iran; 
     and
       Whereas the spirit and compassionate conduct of the United 
     States has won it tremendous goodwill among the people of 
     Iran: Now, therefore, be it
       Resolved,  That the House of Representatives--
       (1) expresses its heartfelt sympathy for the victims of the 
     earthquake that occurred on December 26, 2003, in Bam, Iran, 
     and their loved ones;
       (2) expresses its heartfelt gratitude and appreciation for 
     the courageous work of the United States and international 
     aid personnel saving lives in Iran; and
       (3) welcomes the President's decision to issue a general 
     license for donations to nongovernmental entities engaged in 
     humanitarian relief activities in response to the earthquake 
     in Iran.

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to the rule, the gentleman from 
Illinois (Mr. Hyde) and the gentlewoman from Minnesota (Ms. McCollum) 
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 include extraneous material on the resolution under consideration.
  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.
  Today I rise in support of House Resolution 526, introduced by the 
gentleman from Ohio (Mr. Ney) on February 11, 2004, expressing the 
sympathy of the House of Representatives for the victims of the 
devastating earthquake that occurred on December 26, 2003, in Bam, 
Iran. This resolution is a reflection of the goodwill that emanates 
from the people of the United States to the people of Iran during their 
time of great need and profound sorrow.
  On that tragic day, an earthquake measuring 6.6 on the Richter scale 
struck the southeastern area of Iran. During the days that followed, 
the American people and the rest of the world watched in sympathy as 
helpless Iranian families tried to put the pieces of their lives back 
together. With approximately 40,000 people dead, 30,000 people injured, 
and up to 75,000 people made homeless, the U.S. Government reacted in 
solidarity with the Iranian people by implementing necessary measures 
so that millions of dollars in emergency earthquake assistance could be 
distributed through United States relief organizations.
  Immediately, the President directed that a general license be issued 
to temporarily permit U.S. individuals or nongovernmental organizations 
to transfer funds to organizations operating in Iran to assist 
humanitarian aid activities. I commend the administration's handling of 
this tragic situation and President Bush's message that ``We stand 
ready to help the people of Iran.''
  Many factors characterize the perceived power and greatness of 
America throughout the world. However, it is the spirit of our 
unconditional compassion in times like these that truly resonates in 
the hearts and minds of the Iranian people and communicates our real 
hopes and desires for them.
  Currently, the people of Iran need their courage and strength to help 
parallel the efforts by international aid personnel in rebuilding their 
lives. Children who are orphaned and homeless will need guidance and 
direction from their elders. Elders who are grieving the loss of their 
loved ones will need the inspiration of their youth to go on. Through 
their trials and tribulations, the Iranian people have proved to be a 
resilient force while never losing hope for the blessings of a new day. 
I am convinced that through exercising their faith and reconstructing 
their lives a stronger and empowered community will be unearthed.
  I commend the gentleman from Ohio (Mr. Ney) for introducing this 
meaningful resolution and thank him for his understanding of Iran's 
needs and challenges. Mr. Speaker, I strongly support this resolution 
and urge its passage.
  Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
  Ms. McCOLLUM. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
  Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of this resolution. I commend 
the gentleman from Ohio (Mr. Ney) for this important resolution.
  The suffering of the Iranian people from the Bam earthquake in 
December is incalculable. As many as 50,000 dead, countless injured. 
Tragic as well is the destruction of 90 percent of an historic 2,000-
year-old city. This is truly a loss to all the world. The resolution 
appropriately expresses the heartfelt sympathy of the House for the 
victims of

[[Page H725]]

the earthquake and for their loved ones. It also expresses gratitude 
for the courageous work of U.S. and international aid personnel and 
relief workers. It was right for the administration to temporarily lift 
the sanctions that otherwise would have prevented such humanitarian 
activities in Iran.
  Relief workers in Iran came from the United States and around the 
world. They were ordinary people like Jim Ricci of St. Paul, Minnesota 
serving in the Air National Guard. Mr. Ricci, who was on his third tour 
of duty in the Persian Gulf, was on the last of the military's 11 
humanitarian flights to Iran. Relief also came from groups like the 
American Refugee Committee International, headquartered in Minnesota. 
The American Refugee Committee helped coordinate several significant 
relief efforts, while donating medical supplies and nonfood items. This 
coordinated assistance was critical in providing the most effective aid 
programs possible.
  Everyone in Congress is concerned by the conduct of the Islamic 
Republic of Iran, particularly by the hardliners who dominate the 
regime, support for terrorism, threats against Israel's existence, 
deceitful pursuit of nuclear arms and other weapons of mass 
destruction, and notorious human rights abuse. This recent stacked-deck 
election are cases in point. We all share the concerns about the 
Iranian regime, but we also know it is wrong to blame the Iranian 
people. I believe the vast majority of Iranian people would yearn for 
the freedom and the friendship with the U.S. and the world at large.
  This resolution recognizes the common humanity of Americans and 
Iranians. Our common bond of humanity was also acknowledged by the 
Iranians, who held a spontaneous candlelight vigil on behalf of the 
victims of September 11, 2001.
  The Iranian people should know they have our deepest sympathies for 
their terrible tragedy. I strongly support this resolution, and I urge 
all of my colleagues to do the same.
  Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
  Mr. HYDE. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentlewoman for an excellent 
statement, and I yield such time as he may consume to the gentleman 
from Ohio (Mr. Ney).
  Mr. NEY. Mr. Speaker, I want to thank the chairman and also the 
gentlewoman for supporting this resolution. I want to particularly 
thank the chairman for always responding when it comes to international 
affairs and making our Congress proud.
  Mr. Speaker, we have the support of many great colleagues, the 
gentleman from California (Mr. Lantos), the gentleman from Missouri 
(Mr. Blunt), the gentleman from Arkansas (Mr. Snyder), the gentleman 
from California (Mr. Berman), the gentleman from New York (Mr. 
Ackerman), the gentleman from Iowa (Mr. Leach), the gentleman from 
Nebraska (Mr. Bereuter), just to mention a few of the cosponsors of 
this resolution. I want to thank the gentleman from California (Mr. 
Lantos) for being the prime sponsor and the gentleman from Illinois 
(Chairman Hyde) for all his support, again.
  I rise today in support of House Resolution 526, which expresses the 
sympathy of the House of Representatives for the victims of the 
devastating earthquake that occurred on December 26, 2003, in Bam, 
Iran.

                              {time}  1515

  More than 40,000 men, women and children, including an American, were 
killed when the ancient city of Bam was struck by a massive earthquake. 
While the final toll is still being tallied, the loss of life ranks 
this as one of the worst human tragedies in recent memory. Aside from 
the unspeakable humanitarian disaster, which has been pointed out on 
the floor today, more than 90 percent of the 2,000-year-old city was 
destroyed. Indeed, in this destruction was the magnificent citadel of 
Bam.
  Located in southeastern Iran, 200 kilometers south of Kerman, Bam was 
made mostly of mud bricks, clay, straw, and the trunks of palm trees. 
The more modern part of the city was originally founded during the 
Sassanian Period, around the third century A.D.
  During this time of suffering, the American people immediately showed 
their sympathy and offered their help. Rescue teams and aid personnel 
from all over our Nation jumped into action as though this tragedy hit 
their own next-door neighbors.
  President Bush was among those who acted with great speed. He 
temporarily lifted sanctions on Iran only 5 days after the earthquake. 
The President's actions enabled American relief organizations to 
swiftly send aid to the people of Bam. It is not inconsequential that 
American help was warmly received and welcomed by the Iranian people. 
Our workers were received with generosity and great appreciation by the 
Iranian people.
  Teams from the Mercy Corps were among the first to arrive and worked 
hand in hand with local aid organizations. American and Iranian 
personnel rescued people from the rubble and brought much-needed 
supplies to very weary survivors.
  Our brave aid workers dispelled misconceptions about America that 
pervade the Middle East. They showed the real essence of our great 
Nation and of our people, one of generosity and one of compassion.
  Mr. Speaker, the leadership that President Bush has shown in 
exempting humanitarian aid from U.S. sanctions on Iran will go a long 
way towards improving understanding by the people of Iran, the Mideast 
and America towards each other. The President's actions have shown that 
two societies can work with each other in a time of great need and in a 
time of great trauma and strife.
  I ask that the Congress join me in expressing our heartfelt sympathy 
for the victims of the Bam earthquake and our gratitude and 
appreciation for the courageous work of the American aid personnel.
  By passing this important resolution, we will commend President 
Bush's decision and this Congress' support to temporarily make aid 
organizations exempt from the sanctions on Iran, and we will continue 
to show that the compassion and generosity that has kept America the 
world's leader in humanitarian missions still continue to this day.
  Ms. McCOLLUM. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
  Mr. Speaker, once again I would like to express my sincere support 
for this resolution. I would like to thank the gentleman from Ohio (Mr. 
Ney) for bringing this forward, and our distinguished chairman on the 
Committee on International Relations, the gentleman from Illinois (Mr. 
Hyde), for making sure for the people of Iran that we stand with them 
during this terrible loss of life.
  Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today as a heartfelt 
supporter of H. Res. 526 which expresses the sympathy of the House of 
Representatives for the victims of the devastating earthquake that 
occurred in Bam, Iran on December 26, 2003. It is important that we as 
a body stand united on issues that may not directly affect us but that 
are nonetheless very important. I am proud to say that members of this 
body and this nation as a whole stood up to support our brothers and 
sisters in Iran when this great tragedy occurred.
  The numbers attributed to this earthquake are staggering. In a city 
with 100,000 residents at the time of the earthquake approximately 
40,000 men, women, and children lost their lives due to this disaster. 
I have heard from many constituents in my district who told me they 
lost family members in Iran. I was told of some families who even lost 
as many as thirty-three members of their family. I'm sure this kind of 
heartbreak was felt throughout the entire Iranian American community.
  While the human toll was immense, the sheer destruction of the city 
of Bam was truly tragic. It is estimated that a full ninety percent of 
the city was completely destroyed. Unfortunately the historical value 
of a 2,000 year old city is lost to us forever.
  We must take more than sadness away from this tragedy; we must now 
focus our efforts on how to prevent the deadly effects of future 
disasters. The amount of casualties in this disaster were far too high. 
To demonstrate the effect of the quake on this region--as compared to 
other regions, an earthquake of 6.2 magnitude in Los Angeles on 
December 23 left a casualty of only two persons as compared to 
approximately 40,000 in Iran. The number of casualties was so high 
particularly because of the quality of the local building material 
consisting of mudbricks, and construction techniques using little 
reinforcements. We must study ways to protect people throughout the 
world from being involved in a tragedy like the one in Bam. This is why 
I have joined the Iran Earthquake Task Force initiated by the Iranian 
Medical Relief Foundation (IMRF). I

[[Page H726]]

urge all Members of this body to follow suit and pursue actions that 
will facilitate greater protection from the effects of natural 
disasters.
  We must show the world that we stand with them when tragic natural 
disasters occur. I was proud to see that so many U.S. based charities 
and organizations joined the world community to care for those affected 
by the earthquake. I commend the efforts of so many who took their time 
and effort to search through the rubble. Their heroic efforts may not 
have been able to reverse the tragic disaster, but the world realized 
that we as a nation stand by our humanitarian obligations. I hope we 
will continue this proud practice whenever events such as this occur.
  Mr. McCOLLUM. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.
  Mr. HYDE. Mr. Speaker, I have no further requests for time, and I 
yield back the balance of my time.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. Schrock). The question is on the motion 
offered by the gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Hyde) that the House 
suspend the rules and agree to the resolution, H. Res. 526.
  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. HYDE. 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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