[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 1 (Tuesday, January 4, 2005)]
[House]
[Pages H37-H47]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
EXPRESSING CONDOLENCES AND SUPPORT FOR ASSISTANCE TO VICTIMS OF
EARTHQUAKE AND TSUNAMIS THAT OCCURRED ON DECEMBER 26, 2004, IN SOUTH
AND SOUTHEAST ASIA
Mr. HYDE. Mr. Speaker, I offer a resolution (H. Res. 12) expressing
condolences and support for assistance to the victims of the earthquake
and tsunamis that occurred on December 26, 2004, in South and Southeast
Asia, and ask unanimous consent for its immediate consideration.
The Clerk read the title of the resolution.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there objection to the request of the
gentleman from Illinois?
There was no objection.
The Clerk read the resolution, as follows:
H. Res. 12
Whereas on December 26, 2004, a powerful earthquake
measuring 9.0 on the Richter Scale occurred off the west
coast of Northern Sumatra, Indonesia;
Whereas the undersea earthquake created massive tsunamis
that struck several countries throughout South and Southeast
Asia, as well as on the coast of East Africa;
Whereas the giant waves caused death and destruction on a
nearly unprecedented scale, killing more than 140,000 people
and leaving millions homeless;
Whereas many thousands of people were killed in Indonesia,
Sri Lanka, India, and Thailand, and numerous others were
killed in Somalia, Malaysia, Maldives, Bangladesh, Kenya,
Burma, and elsewhere;
Whereas an estimated one-third of the earthquake and
tsunami victims were children, and many thousands more have
been left orphaned or separated from their families;
Whereas thousands of visitors and tourists from nearly 40
countries were killed in this natural disaster;
Whereas between 3,000,000 and 5,000,000 people throughout
the affected region are lacking basic survival requirements
as a result of the tsunamis and there remains the risk of
numerous additional deaths due to shortages of clean water,
adequate shelter, food, sanitation, and basic healthcare;
Whereas the United States and other donors have, to date,
pledged an estimated $2,000,000,000 in emergency and long-
term reconstruction assistance; and
Whereas the human cost of this disaster transcends mere
statistics and has resulted in deeply personal tragedies for
countless families in the region and throughout the world:
Now, therefore, be it
Resolved, That the House of Representatives--
(1) mourns the horrific loss of life caused by the
earthquake and tsunamis that occurred on December 26, 2004,
in South and Southeast Asia;
(2) expresses its deep condolences to the families of the
many earthquake and tsunami victims;
(3) applauds the prompt humanitarian response to the
tsunami tragedy by governments, the United Nations and other
international organizations, and nongovernmental
organizations;
(4) recognizes the generous outpouring of support for
relief efforts from private citizens around the world,
including in the United States;
(5) affirms its commitment to additional generous United
States support for relief and long-term reconstruction
efforts in areas affected by the earthquake and tsunamis; and
(6) urges continued attention by donors and relief agencies
to the needs of vulnerable populations in the stricken
countries, particularly the thousands of children who have
been left parentless and homeless by this disaster.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. The gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Hyde) is
recognized for 1 hour.
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
on H. Res. 12, 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 half my time to the gentleman from
California (Mr. Lantos) and ask unanimous consent that he may control
that time.
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.
Mr. Speaker, I stand in support of House Resolution 12 which the
gentleman from California (Mr. Lantos), the gentleman from Iowa (Mr.
Leach) and I introduced earlier today with numerous of our colleagues.
It expresses the deep condolences of the House of Representatives for
the victims of the massive earthquake and tsunamis that struck South
and Southeast Asia on December 26, 2004, and affirms our commitment to
additional generous support for relief and reconstruction efforts.
The destruction wrought by this disaster is nearly incomprehensible.
The confirmed death toll is nearly 150,000, approximately one-third of
whom were children. Those countries that were hardest hit, Indonesia,
Sri Lanka, India and Thailand, each lost many thousands, and the deadly
effects were felt as far away as the eastern coasts of Africa. Millions
of people are affected and lack the basic food, water, shelter and
medical care necessary for survival. But, as the resolution notes, the
human cost of this disaster transcends mere statistics and has resulted
in deeply personal tragedies for countless
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families in the region and throughout the world. Our prayers are with
the victims, their families and the many men and women working
tirelessly to provide critical assistance to those still at risk.
I am proud of the swiftness and the magnitude of the relief effort
that has been organized during the past week and a half. The United
States has stepped forward with an initial commitment of $350 million,
and we are providing crucial transportation and logistic support for
the larger relief effort. The current total of international commitment
stands at approximately $2 billion. I fully expect additional resources
will be required, and we must all recognize that reconstruction from
this epic catastrophe will not be a short-term project.
It is fitting we consider this resolution on the first day of this
new Congress. This effort is the latest instance in a long American
tradition of humanitarian generosity, and our actions demonstrate our
belief that the earthquake and the tsunamis of December 26 were not
primarily an Asian tragedy but a human tragedy. The people of the
United States and all people of goodwill stand in solidarity with the
many victims.
Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
Mr. LANTOS. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I might consume,
and I rise in strong support of this resolution.
I want to thank the gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Hyde), my good
friend and distinguished colleague, the chairman of the Committee on
International Relations, for sponsoring this critical resolution, and I
want to express my thanks to the chairman and ranking member of our
Subcommittee on Asia and the Pacific for their outstanding work on this
resolution.
Mr. Speaker, I want to extend my deepest and heartfelt sympathy to
the people of the countries so deeply stricken by the earthquake, the
tsunamis and their after-effects.
This disaster has taken some 150,000 lives and left millions
homeless, separated from their families, with no access to clean water,
shelter, food, sanitation or health care.
Mr. Speaker, late in December we all watched in shock as the news
emerged detailing the horrors from the earthquake and tsunami-affected
region. The initial reports of some 14,000 killed were simply stunning
at the time, but a week later the numbers are 10 times higher, and with
the horrendous death toll, we find there are countless more who are
missing, including many American citizens.
The numbers of people killed, missing, wounded or left homeless are
nothing short of overwhelming, and the mind struggles to grasp that a
tragedy of such dimensions is possible. But the destruction and the
numbers are all too real, and the needs of the survivors are real as
well.
Our resolution affirms the rock-solid commitment of the American
people and the government of the United States for relief and long-term
reconstruction assistance in the areas affected by both the earthquake
and the tsunamis, and it urges continued attention by all donors to the
needs of the survivors, particularly the most vulnerable population,
the children.
Mr. Speaker, every country has the moral obligation to help the
millions of people affected by the earthquake and the tsunamis. There
is a human imperative to ensure that the survivors of this tragedy
obtain much-needed humanitarian relief, but we must also work with the
international community to help in the long-term reconstruction of the
disaster-stricken countries, reconstruction efforts which will be
needed for many years to come.
I want to pay particular tribute to our military for their heroic
assistance in this gigantic humanitarian crisis. No organization on the
face of this planet could perform the miracles that our men and women
in our military are doing every minute of every day as this crisis
unfolds.
Mr. Speaker, I find it an outrage that some of the wealthiest oil-
rich States have pledged only a pittance, even though since oil prices
are at sky-high levels they have received an enormous windfall; in the
case of Saudi Arabia, some $50 billion last year, that is $50,000
million.
Our resolution applauds the prompt humanitarian response of the
United States, the American people, many of our friends and allies,
international organizations and relief bodies. We must continue to
support these efforts as long as they are necessary.
The gentleman from Illinois (Chairman Hyde) and I will continue to
work to determine the best way the Congress and the American people can
continue to help the affected countries over the long run. It is only
fitting, Mr. Speaker, that the first legislative act of this Congress
is a truly bipartisan effort to demonstrate the generosity and the
caring of the American people.
{time} 1800
I firmly hope that this spirit of bipartisanship may spread to some
of our other efforts in the 109th Congress. I urge all of my colleagues
to support H. Res. 12.
Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
Mr. HYDE. Mr. Speaker, I yield 5 minutes to the gentleman from Iowa
(Mr. Leach).
Mr. LEACH. Mr. Speaker, I thank my distinguished chairman and
distinguished ranking member for bringing this very thoughtful
resolution to the floor.
What the world is witnessing with this tsunami in the Indian Ocean is
a tragedy of awesome dimensions which the executive branch of the
United States, the Congress, and the American people are determined to
address in the most compassionate way possible.
I stress the word ``compassion'' because in international affairs
today, the issue of motives is on everybody's mind. I would like to
make it very clear that the only motive of the American people is
compassion. There may be geopolitical spinoffs to any actions any
government at any time makes or does not make, but this is an issue of
people; and it is the obligation of the people's House of the United
States to reflect the heart and soul of our constituents, and this we
are doing in this resolution.
It is true that this issue is a long way from home. It is also true
that it is expensive. Beyond that, it is impressive to me how
unprecedented the initial reaction has been. In less than 2 weeks,
hundreds of millions of dollars of assistance have already been brought
to bear. Indeed, a kind of competitive compassion has been precipitated
involving nation states, international organizations, nongovernmental
organizations, and faith-based institutions.
As the gentleman from California (Mr. Lantos) mentioned, it is
particularly impressive what the United States military has been able
to do in very short order. It is the institution of our society that
can act the quickest in the face of every kind of emergencies. Our
military has become, in essence, an instrument of peace in a way that
it was not necessarily designed to be, but which we as the American
people want it to perform.
Finally, let me stress that in addition to the issue at stake, this
is an incredibly important time in human history to attempt to develop
models of concern and action that bring people together rather than
tear them apart. To the degree that a model of compassion which may or
may not be competitive is contrasted with models of accelerating hate,
we have hope that other kinds of disasters that may be man-made instead
of nature-made can be addressed in similar kinds of ways.
This is a beginning, somewhat hortatory resolution of the United
States Congress; but it is meaningful because it is a commitment. I
would simply like to stress how impressed I am how every Member of
Congress, every constituent that has talked to me, every member of the
executive branch is committed to doing the utmost we conceivably can.
This is an issue, as the gentleman from California (Mr. Lantos)
mentioned, of a human dimension, not any other kind.
Mr. LANTOS. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to yield 3 minutes to the
gentleman from New Jersey (Mr. Menendez), a distinguished member of the
Committee on International Relations and the chairman of the House
Democratic Caucus.
Mr. MENENDEZ. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman from California (Mr.
Lantos), the distinguished ranking member of the Committee on
International Relations, for his early work on this, along with the
chairman.
[[Page H39]]
As a cosponsor, I rise in strong support of this resolution
expressing our condolences and our support for additional assistance to
the victims of the natural disasters in South and Southeast Asia. It is
hard to find words to express our sympathy, our condolences, and for
that fact our admiration for the strength and courage of the people in
the many countries who survived the devastating earthquakes and
tsunamis only 10 days ago.
I am proud that the United States has pledged $350 million in aid,
bringing the total aid pledged worldwide to approximately $2 billion;
but we will be called upon to do more.
It is almost impossible to comprehend that over 150,000 people died
and that an additional 3 to 5 million are living without the basic
necessities to survive. Unfortunately, these survivors now face a new
threat from disease and starvation. Right now, ruined transportation,
infrastructure, and communication systems are hampering some aid
efforts. The international community needs to address these serious
problems to ensure aid reaches all those who need it. We must house,
feed, and protect the people who survived and help these same people
rebuild their homes, their economies, and their lives. That is why the
United States and other donor countries have pledged our involvement
now and in the future. But it is also the individual contributions of
Americans that make the difference and show our collective compassion
and understanding.
It is impossible to calculate the number of people who lost family
members or whose homes, towns, and villages were destroyed; and I often
think about how would we feel if this catastrophe happened in our
homes, our towns, our States, or our country. We must also remember
that each person lost was an individual whose life touched many others.
In New Jersey in my own district, we have families from the impacted
countries; and I extend my deepest sympathy to anyone who has lost a
family member or a loved one.
I also want to recognize the generosity of Americans and private
citizens around the world. Just as the world supported the United
States and the victims of the families of the victims of the 9/11
attacks, our citizens have shown their sympathy and commitment to the
victims of the tsunami. In particular, I want to thank our troops who
are on the front lines in the disaster areas, bringing food, water,
medical assistance, and other relief to those who need it most.
Finally, even in the midst of our mourning, I believe that from the
ashes of this tragedy new opportunity will arise. In Sri Lanka, rebels
and the government are working to provide relief together. In
Indonesia, the United States and the international community are all
working to provide assistance to those affected by the disaster. In the
United States, we have a great opportunity to show our empathy and our
generosity to the world. I believe we can lead not only in war but in
relief, and that we need to be as committed to fighting disease,
famine, and tragedy as we are to fighting the war on terror. Then we
will win the hearts and minds of many people in this country, as well
as show America to be the beacon of light that it is.
Mr. HYDE. Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the gentleman from
Indiana (Mr. Burton), my learned colleague.
Mr. BURTON of Indiana. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for
yielding me this time and for his kind remarks.
Mr. Speaker, this is a very solemn occasion on which we meet here
tonight: 150,000 people have perished in an unforeseen disaster that
took place a little over a week ago. The world has joined hands to try
to help these people who suffered in Indonesia and the entire region.
The gentleman from Florida (Mr. Wexler) and I are co-chairmen of the
Indonesian Caucus, and we have been working with people in the
Indonesian Government because they have moved so rapidly towards
democracy and the things that we believe in in this country. It is
tragic at this moment in history that they have suffered, along with
Sri Lanka, India, and the rest of that region, so heavily because of
this horrible tragedy that occurred just a short time ago. President
Bush has responded. This country has responded to the tune of $350
million, as the gentleman from California (Mr. Lantos) and the
gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Hyde) have just recently stated. That is
great. Our military has responded very rapidly. That is important as
well.
But the American people, if I were able to talk to them tonight,
could respond in an equal fashion. If I were allowed, Mr. Speaker, and
I know I am not allowed to speak directly to the American people, but
if I were, I would say, if they want to make contributions to help our
government help the people of that region, they could contact and make
contributions through www.usafreedomcorps.gov. I know I cannot say that
because we are not able to make that kind of a plea from the well to
the American people. But if I could, I would once again ask them to
make contributions through www.usafreedomcorps.gov because that would
help augment what the United States Government is trying to do to help
the people of this region.
As many as 5 million people, as many as the people in the whole State
of Indiana, could adversely be affected if they do not get the
resources necessary to help with the potential health problems and the
infrastructure problems that occur over there. We want to make sure
that the world tragedy that has occurred in that region does not get
any worse, and the best way to do that is to make sure the resources
they need get there as quickly as possible.
We are doing our part as a government, but the American people and
the rest of the people could help as well if they choose to do so.
Mr. Speaker, I want to thank my colleagues, the gentleman from
California (Mr. Lantos) and the gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Hyde), for
bringing this resolution forward tonight, along with the gentleman from
Iowa (Mr. Leach). We really appreciate what our government and the
President is trying to do. The President has appointed former President
Bush and President Clinton to head up an effort to raise additional
resources. We appreciate that, and we urge the American people to help
as well in any way that they can.
Mr. LANTOS. Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the gentlewoman from
Texas (Ms. Jackson-Lee), an indefatigable fighter on behalf of
suffering people across the globe.
(Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas asked and was given permission to revise
and extend her remarks.)
Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas. Mr. Speaker, let me add my great
appreciation to the distinguished gentleman from California (Mr.
Lantos), the gentleman from Illinois (Chairman Hyde), and the gentleman
from Iowa (Mr. Leach) for recognizing the need for this Congress on the
very day of our swearing-in ceremonies to offer to the people of the
world our deepest sympathy, and also our ability to be able to
understand a horrific tragedy that is unspeakable.
We note 140,000 who may have died by the tsunami, but it may be
growing, 150,000, 160,000. As I listened to the remarks being made by
the gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Hyde), I noted as we have worked
together on these issues that more than one-third are children, and how
we can all recall the day of 9/11 when it came to our attention in New
York that so many children had been left behind because of the tragedy
and death of their parents.
Now not only do we have children that have died, but we have children
that are left behind. So I say to those in Indonesia and Sri Lanka,
Thailand and India, Somalia, Malaysia, Maldives, Bangladesh, Kenya,
Burma, and many other places, that we recognize that no words can
comfort you for this tragedy.
But out of this enormous tragedy I believe that the world can now
take its rightful place as a healer, as a place where there is caring,
there is nurturing. And so for the $350 million, although many of us
recognize that the initial response was not what we wanted it to be,
today we come in celebration and acknowledgment of the leadership that
has been given by this Nation. We are grateful for the $350 million;
but more importantly, I am grateful for the words of the gentleman from
Illinois (Mr. Hastert) that we will do more.
I think it is also important to state for the record $2 billion
around the world has been promised. That shows that the world can work
together for peace for humanitarian causes. Might I also say in a
special note and special prerogative that I would like to congratulate
those in the city of Houston
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and acknowledge the work that was done by that city.
On December 27, 2004, over 75 persons joined in a very small room in
my Federal building and organized a Houston's Solution For Tsunami
Victims. The representatives were from the council offices of
Indonesia, Sri Lanka, the Council Office of Thailand, Pakistan, India
and the Vietnam community and others.
{time} 1815
What we wanted to do is not to be selfish and to separate ourselves
but we wanted to have the Houston mark on this terrible tragedy. And so
to my colleagues, the City of Houston is organizing as a city. Some of
our ideas will be, of course, to adopt cities in those regions to be
part of the long-term rebuild of schools and hospitals and as well to
provide medical supplies and other dollars to be part of the larger
effort. My hat is off to that effort. In fact, our first event will be
this Sunday, January 9, in Houston, Texas.
Might I close by saying this is what can be done all over the Nation
and I know it is being done. I will also ask my colleagues to join me
in supporting legislation that I am filing, a resolution on temporary
protective status of those individuals in this country whose
documentation may be expiring and therefore are not able to go back to
these devastated countries will be allowed to stay here until their
nations are rebuilt. I look forward to working with my colleagues on
this important effort.
I thank the leaders who have put forward this resolution. They are
visionaries but most importantly they are humanitarians. I am glad
today this Congress is standing up to be called not just a Congress but
people who care, who believe in the world family.
Mr. HYDE. Mr. Speaker, I am very pleased to yield 4 minutes to the
distinguished gentleman from California (Mr. Rohrabacher).
Mr. ROHRABACHER. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of this resolution. I
would like to express my appreciation to the gentleman from Illinois
(Mr. Hyde) and the gentleman from California (Mr. Lantos) again
leading, being the moral leaders of this body concerning issues of
human rights and humanitarian concerns. I appreciate their leadership.
I am a very grateful follower. I would like to thank the gentleman from
Iowa (Mr. Leach) for his leadership on this issue as well.
This resolution does express our condolences to the people of Asia
and East Africa devastated by this incredible tsunami which on December
26 hit this region and has cost at least 140,000 lives. It is a
staggering number of lives. It is hard to comprehend how many people
have lost loved ones and are suffering. In this time of need, the world
has responded in a manner unprecedented in its size and scope to a
catastrophe that is unprecedented. Between private and public
donations, the relief effort so far has totaled over $3 billion. The
distorted characterization of a confused United Nations official
notwithstanding, America can be especially proud that in this time of
need our people and our government have stepped forward. In addition to
government aid, which sometimes people overseas only recognize the
government aid, a significant amount of donations have come from
charitable organizations and private donations in which our people
voluntarily give out of a loveness in their heart and a concern for
humanity. As we speak, financial and material donations, private sector
as well as public, continue to be pledged.
However, all the relief does not diminish the anguish and personal
pain of so many tens of thousands, hundreds of thousands of people who
have lost loved ones. And to those people, you have the prayers of the
American people and our hearts are with you. Every day there are new
stories of a family having lost both mother and father or parents who
have lost their children. Communities have been demolished and the hard
work in piecing these people's lives together will take many, many
years.
The people of the United States stand with these people who are in
need and who have been affected by this horrible tragedy. Incidentally,
many of those who have been suffering from this natural disaster are
Muslims. I would hope that these people in the Islamic world understand
that America is stepping forward with generosity to help these people
not because they are Muslims or whatever their faith is but because we
care about them as human beings. We hope that they put that in
perspective when they are trying to analyze what the United States is
all about.
Compounding this tragedy, of course, is an economic issue that we
need to discuss as well and that is the lapse of a 30-year-old WTO
agreement for manufactured apparel. This would not even come up and
people would not understand it had it not been for the tsunami. A
critical part of Sri Lanka's and Thailand's as well as Indonesia's
economy deals with producing this apparel. With the ending of this
agreement, of the quota system for apparel, we can expect that China
will benefit dramatically even though China has not suffered from this
natural disaster. It will benefit and $2.5 billion of trade will be
taken from Sri Lanka alone, for example.
I think in light of this tsunami tragedy and the current labor
practices in China that an extension of this agreement is not only in
the best interests of our friends in Thailand and Sri Lanka but for all
countries who believe in standards of labor and human rights practices.
I would suggest that we go back to those quotas as of January 1 and
postpone the elimination of the quotas for 2 years in order to help
those countries that are now suffering.
I would also like to recognize the people of Thailand and the royal
family of Thailand who have cared for thousands of refugees and people
over the years from Burma, Laos, Cambodia and Vietnam. For over 30
years they have taken in refugees and so generously cared for them. Now
they are in need of help and it is up to us to help the people of
Thailand. Our relief efforts and our donations go with a great deal of
understanding that the Thais have themselves been generous and it is
our time to be generous to them. Relief workers are now struggling to
reunite families and find loved ones that are dead and their remains
brought back to the family. As they do, the people of Thailand are
going to be suffering. We know that. I know those people. Let us keep
them in mind and their suffering in mind. As we move forward, let us do
ourselves proud by doing what is right and that is what is happening
throughout America and the free world today.
Mr. LANTOS. Mr. Speaker, I am very pleased to yield 2 minutes to the
distinguished gentleman from New Jersey (Mr. Pallone).
Mr. PALLONE. Mr. Speaker, let me also thank the chairman and the
ranking member for putting forth House Resolution 12, of which I am a
cosponsor, which I do think is very significant in light of what we
have witnessed in the aftermath of the tsunami over the last 10 days.
I want to say, first of all, that this resolution as we know talks
about a number of things that we need to do and that to some extent we
have already done. One is to provide humanitarian assistance. I know
the President has pledged $350 million, which may seem like a lot, but
I frankly think that we probably will end up needing significantly more
in terms of humanitarian assistance. In addition to that, the gentleman
from California (Mr. Lantos) mentioned long-term reconstruction,
development assistance because we must remember that many of the people
no longer have a means of livelihood, fishermen who no longer have
their fishing boats, farmers whose land may be salted and have no
longer the ability to farm. We have to think in terms of long-term
reconstruction and development aid.
And finally what I call the early warning system. There has been a
lot of discussion and I think there is a need to expand the tsunami
early warning system that exists in the Pacific not only to the Indian
Ocean but also possibly to the Atlantic Ocean and throughout the world.
We know that this can be done fairly inexpensively. We are talking
about maybe 5 to $10 million for the Atlantic, maybe $20 million at the
most for the Indian Ocean. I think this has to be part of our effort to
make sure that this event never occurs again.
I just also wanted to say I was, of course, disappointed with the
early stages of the President's response, but when he said that he
wanted now to provide all appropriate assistance, I
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certainly take him at his word and I appreciate the fact that now we
are moving forward. He has not only provided a public element with the
$350 million but sent his brother and Secretary of State Powell
overseas and now we have the private element with the two former
Presidents that are involved. We should be very happy with the fact
that more private American assistance has been pledged than even the
$350 million in government assistance that the President has promised.
I know that at some point we may have to do an appropriations bill,
perhaps an emergency appropriations bill to replenish the assistance
that has already been out there, and I certainly know that over the
next few weeks that the chairman and the ranking member and the members
of the Appropriations Committee will be looking at that. I think it is
very important.
The last thing that I did want to mention is the fact that in my
district, as many of my colleagues have mentioned, we have a large
number of Indian Americans, Sri Lankan Americans, South Asians from
many of the countries that have been impacted. It is amazing to see the
outpouring from these communities and from the public in general in
terms of providing money, providing clothing, providing medical
supplies. The outpouring that we have seen I think is really a symbol
and a reality of what Americans are all about from all walks of life.
Again I want to thank my colleagues for putting this resolution
together and the other commitments that I expect will be forthcoming
over the next few weeks.
Mr. HYDE. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to yield 3 minutes to the
gentleman from New Jersey (Mr. Ferguson).
Mr. FERGUSON. Mr. Speaker, I want to thank the chairman and thank the
gentleman from California as well for bringing this resolution to the
floor. As a mark of respect for the victims of the Indian Ocean
earthquake and the resulting tsunamis, I rise today in strong support
of this resolution, as a cosponsor of this resolution, to honor the
victims and to show my support for the humanitarian aid that our
country is helping to provide with our partners from around the world.
My prayers go out to the victims and their families who have been
struck by this horrific tragedy, in particular, the large Asian and
Indian community that resides in my district and, in fact, in all of
our State of New Jersey.
Currently the estimated death toll is more than 140,000, in some
cases over 150,000 people in South and Southeast Asia and East Africa.
Between 3 and 5 million people throughout the affected region are
lacking basic survival requirements, access to clean water, adequate
shelter, food, sanitation and health care. Contaminated water sources
in the affected countries have increased the risk of cholera, dysentery
and malaria. Approximately 500,000 people have been displaced in
Indonesia; more than 889,000 are displaced in Sri Lanka; 3.5 million
people are affected in India; and more than 10,000 are injured in
Thailand. In addition, between 15,000 and 30,000 may be affected in
Somalia; 12,000 are displaced in Malaysia; and approximately 12,000 are
displaced and 300,000 affected in the Maldives. These numbers are
astounding. We must continue to do all that we can to help the millions
who have been affected by this disaster. I strongly support all efforts
by our country and the many others that are helping to meet the call
for financial and voluntary relief. In fact, it is my hope to travel to
the affected areas very soon to help do my part in seeing that the
relief effort under way is a success.
Further, I would like to recognize the strong support of the American
people. They have heeded the call to help their neighbors across the
globe with a dedication and a determination that is an embodiment of
our American spirit. We have banded together as a Nation and have
continued our longstanding tradition of donating our considerable
resources to our fellow men and women around the world. Again, let me
thank Chairman Hyde and Ranking Member Lantos for bringing this
important resolution to the floor. I am proud to be a cosponsor.
Mr. LANTOS. Mr. Speaker, I am delighted to yield 2 minutes to my good
friend, the distinguished gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Davis).
Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman from
California for yielding me this time. I also want to commend him and
the chairman of the committee, my colleague from Illinois, and all of
those who have spoken. I rise in strong support of this resolution. I
also want to commend the people of my district and people throughout
America who have risen to the occasion.
I noted with pride on New Year's Eve African-American churches in my
district who had turned their traditional watch meeting night into an
appeal for the people who have been affected. I took great pride in
Chinatown in my district a few days ago when my Chinese constituents,
Chinese Americans, were organizing relief efforts to send money and
medical aid. I also took great pride when my Tamilian friends from Sri
Lanka came to express the support that they not only were seeking but
were also giving. This is a tremendous effort on the part of not only
organized governments but organized citizens throughout America. I am
pleased to be a part of it. Again I commend Chairman Hyde, Ranking
Member Lantos and all of those who have spearheaded this resolution.
{time} 1830
Mr. HYDE. Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the distinguished
gentleman from California (Mr. Royce).
Mr. ROYCE. Mr. Speaker, I thank the chairman for yielding me this
time.
I rise in support of this resolution. I think we all watched in shock
at the devastation caused by the December 26 earthquake and the
subsequent tsunami. I led a delegation to Gujarat in 2001 to assess the
damage after the earthquake that shook India, and that devastation,
that tragedy, was indescribable. And after that quake, the world
community pulled together, as did the people of India, including Indian
Americans, to address the humanitarian disaster. But the quake there in
magnitude was less than this quake. This quake was 9.0. And the effect
has been such that the death toll today is over 150,000.
As we have heard on the floor, millions have been left homeless.
Indeed the images of death and destruction that we have seen on
television are sobering. It is difficult to comprehend the extent of
the damage because the devastation stretches across 5,000 miles and 12
countries. It stretches across geographical and cultural and religious
lines.
As is often the case in extreme disaster, we also see the best in the
human spirit. There has been an outpouring of support across our
country from both individuals and from businesses. Members from the Los
Angeles County Fire Department's disaster response team have been
dispatched to Sri Lanka. Niagara Water Company of Irvine, California,
has donated 55,000 gallons of water.
The actions taken by the United States Government speak louder than
any statement can. Not surprisingly, first on the scene was the United
States military. An aircraft carrier task force was immediately
diverted from Hong Kong to the Gulf of Thailand, and a Marine
Expeditionary Force from Guam was dispatched to the Bay of Bengal. No
other organization in the world can tackle the logistical challenge of
getting these types of assets on location to assist the people in need.
As a matter of fact, the local governor in Aceh said that the U.S. Navy
helicopters appeared to him like ``angels,'' in his words, as they
arrived to deliver supplies to those people in need.
Through this challenge we see opportunities for the United States to
make a lasting impression in South and in Southeast Asia. Cooperation
between the U.S. and India is expanding like never before. The U.S.
regional command center for this unprecedented relief operation has
been established in Thailand. And the U.S. and Indonesian military
forces are working together for the first time in many years.
The United States stands by the people of South and Southeast Asia
during this catastrophe.
Mr. LANTOS. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentlewoman from
California (Ms. Zoe Lofgren), the dean of the California delegation.
Ms. ZOE LOFGREN of California. Mr. Speaker, I give thanks to the
chairman and ranking member for having this resolution before us this
evening. When we turn on the TV, when we read the
[[Page H42]]
news and we learn of just the scope of the magnitude of this disaster,
it is simply staggering. In India and Sri Lanka and Thailand and
Indonesia, Malaysia, the Maldives, Bangladesh, Burma, even Kenya and
Somalia on the African coast, the devastation is simply stunning. And
it is important that the United States show leadership to the world and
to the victims in coming to grips with this. I really cannot think of
an event in my lifetime that has been this enormous in terms of loss of
life and long-term implications for this part of the world. So I am
glad that we are here on this first day of the 109th Congress to show
the world that we stand ready and in solidarity with those who have
lost their lives, those who have lost members of their family, and
certainly there are those from other parts of the world visiting South
Asia.
I want, as others have mentioned, to give great thanks to my
constituents in Silicon Valley first started by Americans who were from
South Asia or whose families were originally from South Asia,
organizing volunteer efforts; and the response has been dramatic and
huge from every corner of Silicon Valley to step forward and to help
with the relief effort. However, as others have mentioned, our
assistance is going to be needed for some time to come.
I heard on the radio news this morning that in some of the towns, 80
percent of the teachers have been lost, 85 percent of all the police
officers have died. The infrastructure of civilization for many of the
towns and localities is simply gone. So we will look to so many of our
fellow citizens to do volunteer efforts and to donate generously. They
are not disappointing us. But it is the institution of the United
States Government that is going to have to be in with a helping hand to
help these parts of the world become civilized again, to come up from
the muck that the tsunami brought to them and to take once again their
place in the world. I am pledged to work with all of my colleagues in
the House towards that end. I am proud that the Speaker and the
gentlewoman from California (Ms. Pelosi), our leader, each made this
tragedy part of their opening remarks at the start of the 109th
Congress. I thank them for that.
Mr. LANTOS. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
Long before she joined the Congress, the gentlewoman from California
(Ms. Pelosi) was a fighter for all humane and humanitarian endeavors
across the globe. She expresses the views of all Democrats on this
important humanitarian crisis.
Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as she may consume to the gentlewoman
from California (Ms. Pelosi).
Ms. PELOSI. Mr. Speaker, I thank the distinguished ranking member of
the committee for his kind words and for his great leadership. And I
thank the gentleman from Illinois, the two of them, for bringing this
very important resolution both to the floor. They both have been
champions for humanitarian causes and human rights throughout the
world. I thank the gentleman from California (Mr. Lantos), especially
for his work on the Human Rights Caucus. And, in fact, the definition
of human rights and our attention to the condition of mankind extends
to the issue that is before us today.
As the world knows, 9 days ago we witnessed on television the most
destructive power of nature, a powerful earthquake and subsequent
tsunami that took more than 150,000 lives and seriously injured
hundreds of thousands more across Asia. The unspeakable devastation the
world has witnessed in these areas presents a challenge not only for
the millions of people who are struggling to recover and rebuild but
also for all of us who are called by our faith and our common humanity
to help those in need.
Nothing can give back all that has been lost, but the actions we take
today and in the days ahead help to keep the epic disaster from
becoming even more far reaching. In a tragedy such as this one, there
is only the smallest measure of inspiration that can be taken from the
devastation.
But if there is anything hopeful to be found in the aftermath of the
tragedy, it is that the worst of Mother Nature has brought out the best
in human nature. Americans have donated hundreds of millions of dollars
in private donations. The coordinated efforts by USAID, the
International Red Cross, UNICEF, OXFAM and Care and many others are
providing quick and vital resources. Relief workers are struggling 24
hours a day to distribute supplies and medical care to the injured and
homeless. The United States Government has pledged $350 million in
emergency assistance for the region. And when the victims of the
disaster in Asia see our soldiers and ships and helicopters bringing
food, supplies, and medical care, they see the compassion that is the
best of America.
The chairman and ranking member of the Committee on International
Relations and I in my capacity as ranking member on the Foreign
Operations, Export Financing and Related Programs of the Committee on
Appropriations, we have traveled the world to see our assistance at
work, and we know that when the U.S. military becomes involved in
humanitarian assistance, they are the best. They are well organized.
They get the job done in record time. We are very proud of them and all
that they do and certainly in the case of the tsunami.
All of these things are critical, but much more needs to be done. It
is estimated by the United Nations that 1.8 million people will need
food aid, 1.8 million people. Roads and bridges will need to be rebuilt
to get that aid to the people who need it. Millions of people are
homeless and in need of shelter. The statistics are daunting, but we
must not lose sight of the power of the United States to soften
nature's blow. The statistics are staggering, but we remember every
single individual as a person who is affected by this. A compassionate
and generous response from the United States is essential to save these
individual lives and to stabilize the entire region.
While there has been a strong initial response to the crisis, there
must be initiative to assist in the longer-term reconstruction process.
The United States must take the lead by providing a multi-year
assistance package that does not come at the expense of other disaster
relief efforts around the world. I hope that a package of aid and
assistance for the victims of last week's tsunamis will be the first
significant bipartisan accomplishment of this 109th Congress, and I
know under the leadership of the gentleman from Illinois and the
gentleman from California (Mr. Lantos) and our distinguished Speaker in
his beautiful words today about the disaster that we have a good chance
that that will be possible.
There is a passage in the Bible that speaks to the power of the
spirit at times such as this: ``The bricks have fallen down, but we
will rebuild with dressed stone; the fig trees have been felled, but we
will replace them with cedars.'' As one who kind of likes victories, I
understand the strength of cedars, but we will replace and rebuild.
I kind of think another passage from the Bible is appropriate here.
It is appropriate on many occasions, but I thought of it the minute I
saw the tsunami, and that is in the Old Testament they tell us that to
minister to the needs of God's creation is an act of worship, to ignore
those needs is to dishonor the God who made us and them. So we can have
an act of worship by ministering to the needs of these people.
I especially want to mention the country of Indonesia that has been
devastated by the crisis. Indonesian health authorities reported Sunday
that the tsunami may have killed 100,000 people in the Aceh province
alone. This natural disaster comes after the Indonesian Government has
performed massive military operations and frankly brutal acts of
violence against the civilian population of Aceh in recent years.
The international response presents an opportunity for the government
of Indonesia to form a new partnership, a fresh start, with the people
of Aceh. It is critical that the Indonesian Government continue to open
the region to relief organizations, nongovernmental organizations, and
the media. It will take a long time. It will require a great deal of
help. The scars may never heal entirely, and the memories of loved ones
lost will linger forever. But with the help of people of the world, the
people of the affected countries will recover and rebuild.
Already we see people who were strangers to each other before the
disaster standing together, some of them
[[Page H43]]
right in this very room, and today with this resolution and with the
actions that will be necessary in the coming days to give substance to
our words, we say to them the people of the United States stand with
them. We can say that with great assurance because of the leadership of
the gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Hyde) and the gentleman from
California (Mr. Lantos) and those kind words, again, of the Speaker
this morning.
Mr. LANTOS. Mr. Speaker, I thank the leader for her powerful and
eloquent statement.
Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from American Samoa
(Mr. Faleomavaega), a distinguished member of the Committee on
International Relations and ranking member of the Asia and the Pacific
Subcommittee.
Mr. FALEOMAVAEGA. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman from California
for yielding me this time and also extend my appreciation to the
chairman of our committee for the support and cosponsorship of this
important resolution.
Mr. Speaker, this certainly has been a tragic crisis in Southeast
Asia, and I do not know if my colleagues know that I am probably one of
the few Members who has ever personally experienced what it means to go
through a tidal wave and so sad to hear from the media reports and
learning in some parts of this region when the reefs and the beaches
are sucked into the ocean and the water recedes some 300 yards from the
reefs and the children and people not knowing the nature, that this is
how a tidal wave comes about.
{time} 1845
And then, the children playing and the fish flopping all over the
place thinking this is a blessing from God, and then knowing that they
should be running in the opposite direction when the tidal wave hits.
This is really a sad situation.
Mr. Speaker, what I really wanted to address and share with my
colleagues is a certain criticism that has been brought not only to the
world community, but to our Nation, suggesting that our country has
been stingy in giving assistance to those who are in need. Nothing
could be further from the truth.
Mr. Speaker, in the Wall Street Journal article on 31 January, and
according to a USAID report, in the year 2000, our country donated over
$56 billion in international assistance. Eighteen percent of that alone
came from the government. $33.6 billion, or 60 percent, came from
private donors, $3 billion from corporations, $3.4 billion from
religious organizations, $18 billion from individual donations alone,
not even counting foundations and from public organizations and
universities.
I suggest that the next time we get criticisms from others suggesting
that our Nation has not been generous in giving assistance to those in
need really needs to be corrected. And I am very, very glad not only
from Secretary Powell, but from President Bush, that we need to make
certain corrections.
Mr. Speaker, I will insert for the Record the full text of this
editorial commentary in the Wall Street Journal of 31 January. I urge
my colleagues to support this resolution.
[From the Wall Street Journal, Jan. 3, 2005]
Far From Stingy
Across the world, the reaction to Asia's tsunami is
bringing out the best in human nature. Fund-raising appeals,
disaster-relief teams, military assets--all are being
marshaled for the victims of this tragedy.
Which makes it all the more outrageous that a top United
Nations official chose this week to accuse the U.S. and other
Western nations of being stingy with assistance to poorer
nations. ``We were more generous when we were less rich,''
Undersecretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs Jan Egeland
lectured on Monday. ``And it is beyond me why we are so
stingy, really.''
Now, complaints about U.S. miserliness are more routine
than the earthquakes and floods that strike the globe. A
favorite ``fact'' of international critics is that while the
U.S. government nearly always ranks first in absolute amounts
of foreign aid, it tends to fall last among industrial
countries in aid as a percentage of gross national product.
The one-tenth of one percent that Washington devoted to
foreign assistance, they say, is nothing compared with what
the U.S. could afford.
The problem is that, as with so many questions of
accounting (say, Oil for Food), the U.N. and other
international bodies rely on unreliable ledgers. Groups like
the Development Assistance Committee (part of the
Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development) tend
to look only at ``official'' government aid. What this misses
is that Americans have never trusted government institutions
to dole out assistance. Instead, we open our wallets for
private groups that are better at targeting money where it's
needed, tracking projects, cutting waste--and getting
results.
When it comes to this sort of giving, nobody beats
Americans. According to a 2003 report from the U.S. Agency
for International Development, U.S. international assistance
to developing countries in 2000 was $56 billion. Yet just 18%
of that was ``official'' government assistance. Some $33.6
billion--or 60%--came from the private sector. Corporations
shelled out nearly $3 billion. Religious groups weighed in
with $3.4 billion. Individuals provided $18 billion. To say
nothing of funds from foundations, private and voluntary
organizations, or universities.
Cynics mark this generosity down to a U.S. tax code that
encourages giving. Yet most research shows that Americans
view donations as a duty. Philanthropy magazine reports a
study showing the average U.S. contribution outweighs the
average German or French one seven- or eight-fold. This sense
of responsibility is often motivated by faith; some 60% of
American donations go to religious groups or causes.
None of this sits well with the U.N., whose own budget
relies on state dollars. A chastened Mr. Egeland was forced
later this week to claim he'd been misinterpreted and to
acknowledge U.S. generosity. But behind this apology is the
U.N.'s longstanding belief that what's really needed is for
the U.S. and others to raise taxes to pay for more public
foreign aid.
That approach reigns in Western Europe and explains what's
wrong with so much of current foreign aid. Europeans have
come to view private donations as a failure of the state and
expect their governments to collect billions in taxes to
shuffle along to slow-moving and unaccountable international
bureaucracies. The result is a lose-lose situation. Giving
countries see their own economies depressed by higher taxes
and receiving countries find the aid too often enabling
strongmen or perpetuating poor policies.
A far better approach, at least in the public sphere, are
initiatives such as President Bush's Millennium Challenge
Account. By tying long-term assistance to improvements in
specific economic and political goals--such as cracking down
on corruption or establishing rules of law--foreign aid
brings about real reform. This approach drives U.N.
bureaucrats nuts, a sure sign it's on the right track.
Today's priority in Asia is immediate humanitarian relief.
The list of U.S.-based private and religious organizations
already working in the area is stunning. And it's good to see
the U.S. decision effectively to go around U.N. bureaucracy
by working directly with a coalition of Japan, Australia and
India to coordinate relief. Meanwhile, we can expect the
federal government to continue its tradition of generosity in
the upcoming weeks--a tradition that resulted in $2.4 billion
in humanitarian relief last year along, or 40% of the world
total.
But future money, both public and private, should be aimed
at developing the sort of governments and economies that will
be equipped to deal with disasters on their own.
Mr. LANTOS. Mr. Speaker, we have no additional requests for time. In
concluding, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
I again want to express my deep appreciation to my friend and
distinguished colleague, the chairman of our committee, the gentleman
from Illinois (Mr. Hyde). I want to say that all of us here are
profoundly proud of the generosity of the American people, the
generosity of our government, and the extraordinary skill and heroism
of our military in facing up to this crisis. Those who cannot get over
their mindless anti-Americanism should look at what the American
people, the American government, and our military have done in the last
few days concerning this crisis, and they will need to rethink their
mindless hatred of this great Nation.
Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.
Mr. HYDE. Mr. Speaker, I am very pleased to yield 3 minutes to the
gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Weller).
Mr. WELLER. Mr. Speaker, I stand in support of H.R. 12 expressing the
condolences of this House and the support for the people of the
countries that have been impacted by the tsunami in Asia.
A friend of our country, Sri Lanka, was one of the countries most
devastated. Sadly, Sri Lanka lost at least 30,000 of its citizens, and
that toll may rise well into the 40,000 range. I serve as co-chairman
of the Sri Lanka Caucus in the House and I have traveled personally to
Sri Lanka. I have seen firsthand many of the areas now devastated by
the tsunami, and my heart and prayers and those of my colleagues go out
to the people of Sri Lanka at this difficult time.
[[Page H44]]
Today many Americans are still unaccounted for who were in Sri Lanka
when this tragedy struck, but as we deal with that loss and also work
to help the nearly 1 million living survivors who are now displaced in
Sri Lanka, we continue to move forward and we want to express our
support.
Secretary of State Colin Powell plans to be in Sri Lanka this Friday
to express our support and to see firsthand what more we can do, and I
am proud of the support that the United States Government has been
providing. In the early hours of the day after Christmas, top U.S.
Government officials began the work of aiding Sri Lanka and the entire
region, immediately moving money to the affected areas and sending out
teams to survey the damage for accurate assessment of needs. To date
our President, President Bush, has pledged $350 million in relief in
recovery assistance, and already $13 million has been allocated to our
friend Sri Lanka alone.
The Department of Defense and USAID have established a regional
coordination center in Sri Lanka to coordinate our relief efforts to
the region as well as this friendly country. Hundreds of USAID and
military personnel are on the ground in Sri Lanka helping to assist the
relief efforts. I would also note that the men and women of the United
States military are fully engaged helping Sri Lanka. In this region,
the United States has committed a vast majority of military assets to
the region: 20 ships, 14 strategic lift cargo planes, and 48
helicopters. The USS Bonhomme Richard Expeditionary Strike Group is in
route to Sri Lanka, as well as a ship capable of producing 90,000
gallons of fresh water every day. We have also instituted a cash for
work program, helping the local economy and cleanup efforts at the same
time.
Mr. Speaker, there is so much that we can do, and I want to thank our
friends in the private sector who have stepped forward. We in the
United States are doing our part and we want to do more. We are working
in partnership with the world in this effort to aid Sri Lanka, and the
Indian government in particular has been very helpful in the Sri Lanka
mission.
The United States will continue to help Sri Lanka and the entire
region as long as needs are there. We stand in support and we express
our condolences, and our prayers go out to the people of Sri Lanka.
Mr. REYES. Mr. Speaker, like people everywhere, I mourn the
devastation and loss of life caused by the massive tsunami in South
Asia. The enormity of the disaster is staggering and I extend my
condolences to those around the world touched by this tragedy. My
thoughts and prayers are with the victims and their families in this
time of overwhelming need.
I applaud the outpouring of support by the many nations,
organizations and individuals across the world who have responded
quickly to the disaster. By working together, we will help rebuild the
lives of the residents of South Asia.
I will travel to South Asia next week and, through the generosity of
numerous hospitals in my district of El Paso, Texas, will deliver
medical supplies to assist in some small way with the relief and
rebuilding process.
Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support the resolution before us
today, and ask all Americans to continue to keep the victims of this
terrible tragedy in their prayers.
Mr. FARR. Mr. Speaker, on behalf of myself, my family and the
constituents of the 17th District of California, I would like to
express our heartfelt condolences to the victims and their families of
the tsunami natural disaster. As the number of victims continues to
increase, America is united in mourning the staggering loss of lives--
many, many of whom are children.
In the last week, the millions of people affected by the tsunami have
faced terrifying obstacles. But the global community stands in
solidarity with the 12 affected nations. While the United States and
other governments have promised humanitarian aid, private citizens in
the United States have also shown an amazing outpouring of generosity
and compassion. In my own congressional district, which has experienced
a number of natural disasters, a number of compassionate people are
reaching out to the South Asia disaster victims. For example, the
Salinas Rotary Club, along with other Rotary Clubs across the country,
is organizing to supply ``Shelter Boxes'' that contain basic
necessities like tents and sleeping bags.
Humanitarian assistance is desperately needed on an unprecedented
global scale. The international community has pledged $2 billion, with
a contribution of $350 million from the United States, but it is clear
that more will be required of many. I intend to support an emergency
funding bill for U.S. tsunami aid and I urge the President and the
Republican leadership to be generous, as the world community was to the
United States in the wake of 9/11.
In addition to our efforts to help the survivors of this tragedy, we
must also work to ensure that we can better alert people to similar
events in the future. The United States should lead the world in
implementing a global ocean observing system. The recently-released
U.S. Commission on Ocean Policy final report noted the importance of
using observation systems to help us to prevent the loss of life and
property and be better stewards of the oceans. One of my priorities in
the coming year will be to continue pushing for implementation of the
U.S. Commission recommendations.
Millions of people were left homeless and facing terrifying obstacles
as a result of this tsunami. But I hope they can take some solace in
knowing that people across the globe stand in solidarity with them. Not
only have governments promised extensive support, but private citizens
everywhere are digging into their own pockets to give what they can.
This outpouring of generosity and compassion is amazing and
reaffirming. No matter cultural differences or physical distance, in
times of crisis we always come together to help one another. As the New
Year begins, I pray for the quick recovery of those affected by the
disaster and hope that the compassion shown during this crisis
continues far into the future.
Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise to support the
resolution and join all Americans in an expression of condolences to
the people and countries that have been devastated by last week's
tsunami. In particular, I want to offer my personal sympathy to:
Ambassador Sen of India, Ambassador Brotodiningrat of Indonesia,
Ambassador Subasinghe of Sri Lanka, and Ambassador Piromya of Thailand.
Tsunamis are walls of water that inundate coastal areas with little
or no warning, often taking many lives and causing extensive property
damage. They are initiated by sudden underwater disruptions and in this
regard they differ from wind generated waves because the power they
pack is not limited to the surface. Tsunamis are usually started as a
result of an undersea earthquake, which for years was considered to be
the sole cause of tsunamis. Research is now showing that tsunami
generation involves intricate interactions between earthquakes,
landslides, and sympathetic vibrations between the quake and the ocean
above it.
Tsunamis have been known since 426 B.C., and between 1990 and 2001
there were 11 major tsunami events in the Pacific Rim, killing over
4,000 people and causing hundreds of millions in property damage.
Before this week, the most devastating tsunami occurred in 1755 in the
Atlantic which killed 60,000 people and destroyed much of Lisbon. By
comparison, the death toll from the Banda Aceh tsunami could exceed
150,000 on top of the unthinkable numbers of displaced, orphaned, and
injured. Subsequent disease and untreated injuries will undoubtedly add
to these statistics.
The President has already pledged $350 million in direct support to
the affected countries on top of the medical, infrastructure, and
logistics support from the U.S. Military. I want to encourage my
colleagues in the Congress to work together as we did last fall to
provide nearly $14 billion in relief to the Southeastern states and
Caribbean nations following the four devastating hurricanes.
Former Presidents Clinton and Bush are leading the Nation's private
fundraising activities, and I want to ask all Americans, to contribute
whatever they can to the relief efforts for what is likely history's
most deadly natural disaster.
Beyond these immediate needs, I want to encourage you to work with me
in developing programs that will help to minimize losses suffered in
future natural disasters. The National Oceanographic and Atmospheric
Administration and the U.S. Geological Survey lead the United States in
the research, monitoring, and warning of tsunamis and other natural
disasters. For example, the Deep-ocean Assessment and Reporting of
Tsunamis Project (DART) can detect ocean level anomalies as small as
\1/2\ inch in 20,000 feet of water to determine if a tsunami event is
occurring in the deep sea. This system was useful to avoid a false
alarm in response to an Alaskan earthquake in 2001. DART stations cost
about $250,000 to purchase and around $125,000 per year to maintain.
Stations are now located off the coasts of Alaska, the Pacific
Northwest, and Chile, but we need to consider how this system can be
expanded to other parts of the world.
Even with detection systems such as DART, notification alarms and
awareness programs must be implemented for them to be effective. The
first waves took 2-3 hours to hit Phuket
[[Page H45]]
(Thailand), Sri Lanka, and India after the initiating quakes. Even a
few minutes of warning can make a huge difference if preceded with the
proper awareness training. For example a 1993 tsunami followed an
earthquake in Japan by a mere 6 minutes. Although 200 people perished,
1,200 people escaped the waves by running inland as soon as they felt
the shaking.
Research on the causes of tsunamis is also needed. One of the most
severe tsunamis in recent history occurred in Papua New Guinea in July
1998. The initiating earthquake was unexceptional at a magnitude of
7.1--the size of an earthquake that strikes somewhere in the world
about every 3 weeks. Geological modeling strongly suggested that the
quake caused an underwater landslide that together triggered the
exceptional size tsunami. Other preliminary research indicates that
under some conditions, tsunamis may be detectable from aircraft or
satellites using radar or radiometers miles away from coastal areas.
In this regard, I look forward to working with the Science Committee
to identify opportunities for natural disaster detection and warning,
and I look forward to hearing tomorrow's briefing from Dr. David
Applegate from USGS and General D.L. Johnson from NOAA.
In addition to these financial and research initiatives, I want to
remind my colleagues of the friends and families of the victims within
the United States who also need our assistance.
Many national from affected countries that reside in the United
States on either a permanent or temporary basis. Some have no one left
to provide monetary support and no home due to demolition by the
violent waves and flooding. It is in the spirit of rebuilding and
internationalism that I will introduce legislation to give nationals
from affected countries that reside in the United States an opportunity
to establish eligibility for Temporary Protected Status (TPS).
This legislation would grant TPS to eligible nationals from specified
countries who presently reside in the United States. TPS relief under
this proposal will provide a necessary but temporary respite from
deportation that will permit eligible applicants to work and live
lawfully in the United States pending the restoration of a habitable
homeland that is not laden with disease. Additionally, this proposal
will allow eligible aliens to travel abroad and to return to the United
States and be treated the same as any returning alien provided TPS--
which will be helpful to family members of tsunami victims. I ask all
of you to support this legislation and to join together in pledging the
maximum level of resources to make the recovery of the affected areas
expedient.
Mr. HONDA. Mr. Speaker, I join my House colleagues in extending
condolences to the victims of the earthquake and tsunamis that recently
battered South and Southeast Asia as well as parts of East Africa.
Generated by a magnitude 9.0 earthquake on December 26, massive
tsunamis devastated whole villages in Thailand, Indonesia, Sri Lanka,
and India.
The degree of this calamity has shocked and saddened all Americans,
and I am pleased that through their representatives, the American
people have an opportunity to formally express their grief for the more
than 150,000 people who perished.
Our sorrow for those lost, however, should not distract us from the
immediate humanitarian crisis gripping the region. The World Health
Organization (WHO) has suggested that between three to five million
people lack basic survival requirements, including access to clean
water, adequate shelter, food, sanitation, and health care.
The WHO is also warning of an imminent health crisis, as contaminated
water sources increase the risk of cholera, dysentery, malaria, and
dengue fever.
As the world community responds to this natural disaster, I hope and
expect that the United States Government and the American people will
be on the forefront of efforts to provide immediate and long-term aid.
President Bush has so far committed $350 million for disaster relief,
and I am hopeful that this amount will increase as we get a clearer
picture of the devastation that has taken place.
In the meantime, U.S. Government agencies are on the ground. The U.S.
Air Force has transported 43,000 lbs of food, supplies, and equipment
to the region, and helicopters from the USS Abraham Lincoln are
shuttling supplies into northern Sumatra. The Defense Department is
deploying Navy and Marine Corps supply ships and dispatching military
medical teams to the most isolated and hard-hit areas.
In addition, USAID, the federal agency responsible for the
distribution of foreign aid, is now assessing the damage and individual
country needs. These assessments will help better direct the emergency
aid that is already flowing to the region. USAID will also identify the
long-term goals to rebuild local economies, housing and infrastructure.
The President has also enlisted former Presidents George H.W. Bush
and Bill Clinton to lead nationwide private fundraising efforts which
are sure to generate large amounts of private donations. The American
people are compassionate, and they will certainly give generously to
help tsunami victims regain their health and their livelihoods.
My thoughts and prayers go out to all those impacted by the tsunamis,
including the estimated 5,000 Americans in the region who have not yet
been heard from. I urge my colleagues to support this resolution.
Mr. WEXLER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today with a heavy heart to share my
condolences with the victims of the tsunami in South Asia. The
magnitude of destruction and devastation left in the wake of this
tragic disaster is incomprehensible. I join all Americans who are
heartbroken by the images of towns and villages washed away and of the
thousands of orphaned children who will grow up as survivors of this
disaster.
As the United States and the international community work to provide
relief for the victims of this tragedy, I urge my colleagues to ensure
that our efforts to assist in the reconstruction not be short-lived.
While it is imperative that we immediately provide the necessary funds
for relief work and humanitarian aid, we must ensure that as we assist
in this recovery effort, and provide long term assistance to rebuild
the infrastructure and communities devastated by this disaster. Beyond
financial and humanitarian assistance, the United States must lead an
international effort to implement a global tsunami warning and
detection system so we can avoid future tragedies.
During this time of recovery, governments and citizens from around
the world have worked together to help those in need, regardless of
politics, race and religion. It is my sincere hope that out of this
tragic situation a lasting spirit of cooperation and mutual respect can
emerge. Hopefully this unprecedented cooperation can be used as a
trigger to jumpstart the prospects for peace and coexistence throughout
the region.
My thoughts and prayers are with the victims and their families.
Mr. DeLAY. Mr. Speaker, it is a peculiar and embarrassing mark of
man's fallen nature that so often it takes tragedy for human beings to
see past our differences and into each others' hearts. Two weeks ago, a
tragedy of incomprehensible magnitude struck our brothers and sisters
on the other side of the world. It was the day after Christmas,
actually, when much of the world was still celebrating, that an
earthquake beneath the Indian Ocean set off massive tsunamis that have
devastated island and coastal countries in southeast Asia and east
Africa. The sum total of those killed, injured, diseased, and orphaned
by the tsunami is larger than the populations of many countries. And
yet, it is also a mark of the dignity of man that, in the face of such
tragedy, we do see beyond our differences--cultural, political,
religious--and see to it, with all our strength, that right is done.
The tsunami's waters will recede, Mr. Speaker, but the waves of
prayers, love, and generous support--already making their way over the
ocean--will not. Nor will the attention of the world--nor the attention
of this body--until the victim nations recover.
As we meet today, millions of people have been displaced from their
homes and communities, and millions more are without the basic needs of
survival--food, shelter, clean water, and health care. Countless
children have lost their parents, and are now at the mercy of, at best,
the crippled social institutions of their homelands, and at worst, we
now learn, human traffickers. When faced by devastation and misery of
this magnitude, when we see the grief of parents who had to choose
which of their children to save, or hear stories of entire villages
destroyed by the waves, there seems so little we can do.
But on the contrary, Mr. Speaker, there is so much we must do.
President Bush has pledged $350 million in relief and recovery
assistance, dispatched Secretary of State Powell and Florida Governor
Bush to the region to assess the situation, and tasked former
Presidents Clinton and Bush to lead American fund raising for the
relief effort. Thousands of our armed forces and America's civilian
relief agencies are already on the scene helping the relief effort--
transporting food, medical supplies, mobile hospitals, and water-
purifying equipment to the scene. And the generosity of the American
people will continue to lead the way in the recovery, and in the effort
to mitigate the long-term consequences of the disaster. The waters will
recede, and life will one day return to normal. All humanity's mission
is to bring that day about before another life is needlessly lost. And
the world should know that the American people and their Congress will
help until no more help is needed.
Ms. SLAUGHTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to express my most sincere
condolences to everyone affected by the devastating tsunami that
ravaged Southeast Asia on December 26. My thoughts and prayers go out
to those who perished that day and to their families.
The destructive tsunami that shook Southeast Asia claimed the lives
of over 156,000.
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Just this morning, I read the heart-wrenching story of a 13-year-old
boy in Indonesia who lost his father, mother, and brother to the
shocking natural disaster. Countless other families have been altered:
thousands of children have lost their mothers and fathers, parents have
lost their sons and daughters, men and women have lost their husbands
and wives. The world has not seen a tragedy of this magnitude in
decades, and my heart breaks for those who grieve the death of their
family and friends.
Despite the horrendous impact of this overwhelming tragedy, I am
moved by the international outpouring of support and compassion to help
the tsunami victims as they struggle to overcome the loss of loved ones
and piece their lives together. The people of the world and of
Southeast Asia have come together to take care of one another.
Strangers, who themselves are struggling to find sufficient food and
clean water, are taking in orphans who lost their families.
International aid workers from countries, rich and poor, and large and
small, have traveled to Southeast Asia to help provide essential
materials to tsunami victims.
Back in my district, a telethon hosted by a local television station
along with efforts of the local branch of the American Red Cross helped
Rochesterians raise $365,000 to help fund the disaster relief efforts.
In Buffalo, various religious organizations have come together to raise
money. The India Association of Buffalo raised $38,000 in a benefit
held last Thursday and plans to continue fundraising.
The number of people attempting to give money overwhelmed charity
organizations collecting money for tsunami relief. Donations have
ranged from $10 to thousands of dollars, and people from all economic
brackets are giving what they can to help alleviate the suffering of
their fellow fathers, mothers, husbands, wives, and children.
When speaking of international natural disaster relief, President
Dwight Eisenhower once said, ``These are deeds of peace. They speak
more loudly than promises or protestations of peaceful intent.'' I hope
that the worldwide generosity will continue until the need no longer
exists, and that the solidarity among people from around the world will
persist.
Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, today I rise representing the great
people of South Florida and join with them in extending our most
heartfelt condolences and thoughts to the people who have been
devastated by the most recent tsunami in Asia. We offer them our
prayers.
Mr. Speaker, as the world continues to focus on the wrath of this
dreadful disaster, it is important to remember the people who have
perished. It is important to help the people who have survived and are
now picking up the pieces and restarting their lives.
Across 11 nations, over 155,000 people are dead and millions were
left homeless. These incredulous numbers, rising by the day, hide the
human facet of this appalling disaster. Countless images of men and
women holding their children tight, frantically running towards the
helicopters with aid. Never-ending lines of families hoping for clean
water and food. Thousands upon thousands of men, women and children
desperately looking among the rubble upon what was once their homes and
lives.
Mr. Speaker, this catastrophe is one of unbelievable magnitude and
challenges all nations to join in the relief efforts. I am proud of our
brave men and women in the military who are currently manning the
lifeline to the devastated regions. From the crew of the USS Lincoln to
the Seahawk pilots, these young Americans continue to show the
generosity--the heart and conscience of--our Nation. I am also
tremendously proud of the volunteers across the globe who, in a
moment's notice, picked up and journeyed to Asia to help in any way
they could. I applaud President Bush's decision to call upon former
Presidents Clinton and Bush to raise money for victims.
As we know Mr. Speaker, the greatest source of America's generosity--
our essence--is not our government; it's the heart of the American
people. I call upon all Americans to give and give generously to
organizations that are on the ground, helping the countless victims in
the devastated region. In South Florida, organizations such as the
American Red Cross of Greater Miami & The Keys, The Association of
Indians in America, Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Miami, and
the Greater Miami Jewish Federation; to name a few.
Mr. Speaker, we in Congress also have an obligation to help the
people who have been devastated by the tsunami. As the newly selected
co-chair of the India Caucus, I am confident that Congress will do its
part in bringing assistance to the peoples of the regions that were
hit. In India itself Mr. Speaker, the government increased its death
toll to 9,571 dead and also raised its missing total to 5,914 people
missing. As horrific as these numbers are, it is encouraging to hear of
the joint cooperation between our two peoples and nations. The joint
cooperation between the two nations to aid the people of India is
clearly evident Mr. Speaker, as the Navies of India and the United
States continue to work together and share information. America stands
ready to aid the people of India.
Again, I would like to extend our deep condolence to the families of
the many earthquake and tsunami victims. We also affirm our commitment
to the peoples of the affected regions and urge continued attention by
relief agencies to the needs of the vulnerable populations. Our prayers
and thoughts are with the victims of this horrible devastation.
Mr. ACKERMAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of the resolution
expressing support and condolences to the victims of the earthquake and
tsunami in South and Southeast Asia. I also want to commend Chairman
Hyde and Ranking Member Lantos for their leadership on the resolution.
Mr. Speaker, the people of South and Southeast Asia are faced with a
natural disaster of an unprecedented scale. Over 150,000 people are
dead and the World Health Organization estimates that between 3 and 5
million people are lacking basic survival requirements. Unfortunately,
these numbers seem to rise with each passing day. Our condolences and
prayers go out to all of those who have been affected by this deeply
personal tragedy. But beyond our prayers, the people affected will need
the assistance of the international community to prevent the outbreak
of disease which threatens to take as many lives as the tsunami.
The humanitarian response by the affected governments, the United
Nations, and NGOs working in the region has been impressive in the face
of tremendous need and daunting logistics. The outpouring of private
contributions from all over the world should reaffirm our faith in
humanity. But the magnitude of the need will remain long after the
initial humanitarian response has provided people with shelter, food,
clean water, and medical care.
The $2 billion already pledged by the United States and other donors
is an excellent down-payment, but I think we are only beginning to
glimpse the massive undertaking that reconstruction will be. I hope
that the House will rapidly consider the legislation that Chairman Hyde
and Mr. Lantos are working on to provide substantial emergency
assistance to the affected survivors, to help them rebuild their homes
and their lives.
Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support the resolution and to
commit themselves to supporting the additional relief we can certainly
expect to be necessary.
Mr. MEEKS of New York. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to offer my
condolences to the hundreds of thousands affected by the tsunami in
Indonesia, Sri Lanka, India, Thailand, Somalia, Malaysia, and other
countries.
December 26 will ever be a day etched in our memories and in our
hearts as we struggle to comprehend the magnitude of loss associated
with this disaster.
Our great country is often viewed as a leader in the world and I know
that the President will ensure that our country maintains this role by
mobilizing the necessary humanitarian and economic assistance for both
immediate and long-term relief, whether it be the $350 million already
pledged or more as each day brings us a deeper understanding of the
total impact of this disaster.
We have long held prosperous relationships on economic and security
issues with many of the countries that have been affected such as India
and Malaysia.
If we fail to adequately meet the needs of those affected by
committing to advancing a strong recovery in both the Asian and African
nations that have been affected, the long-term worldwide economic and
political consequences of this natural disaster could be even more
severe.
Mr. CARDIN. Mr. Speaker, I rise to express my deepest condolences and
support to those affected by the earthquake-generated tsunamis that
struck numerous countries in South Asia and East Africa on December 26,
2004. This enormous natural disaster, which has so far claimed more
than 150,000 lives, including many Americans, requires a robust
response from the international community.
I am pleased that the United States is taking a leading role in the
relief and recovery efforts. We should continue to partner with the
United Nations, non-governmental organizations, and other members of
the international community to render humanitarian assistance
throughout the region. I look forward to working in Congress to
increase America's contributions to this effort as additional needs
required for long-term rebuilding are identified.
Over the past 10 days, the outpouring of condolences and financial
support from the American people has been tremendous. The efforts of
the thousands of Americans who are giving of their time, money, and
resources are truly reflective of the American spirit, and they
exemplify our Nation's values and ideals. I join with my colleagues
today in support of the House resolution.
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Mr. BACA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay my respects and give my
deepest condolences to those who have suffered through one of the worst
natural disasters in history.
As our nation celebrated the holiday season with our loved ones, a
tragedy of epic proportions was occurring half a world away. An
earthquake with a magnitude of 9.0 off the coast of Indonesia triggered
a massive tsunami that engulfed several countries throughout South and
Southeast Asia. The total aftermath is not yet known as the number of
lives lost continues to rise to immeasurable levels.
Though this tragic disaster destroyed lives, families, and entire
economies, it did not destroy the strength of character and sense of
purpose displayed by the victims who continue to fight daily for
survival. The victims of this tsunami are not alone in their struggle.
Across our great Nation, Americans, together with the world community,
have exhibited their generosity of spirit as they pray for the
suffering families and continue to give monetary assistance to those in
need.
More than 150,000 people have been killed with millions more
affected. These numbers are already impossible to comprehend yet
countless others are missing.
We are now presented with a defining historical moment as a nation
and as an international community. We must share the fiscal and
emotional burden that will only get worse for our brothers and sisters
in Southeast Asia. We cannot under-fund, undercut, or undermine our
relief efforts by failing to follow through on our promises as a
government or our compassion as Americans.
9/11 will always be remembered in our nation as a time of crisis and
devastation, yet also a time of perseverance and unity. We survived
this horrific event because of the resolve exhibited by our Nation's
people and the support received from the international community. The
tragedy that has struck Southeast Asia is no less of a crisis and no
less devastating.
It is the responsibility of the United States and the world community
to continue the aid and assistance of these countries during their time
of need. During times of crises are when the integrity of a nation and
its people are judged in history. I am encouraged by the overwhelming
response and generosity shown by the people across this world. It is
the human way to respond; it is the American way to respond.
Mr. HYDE. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.
The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. Renzi). Without objection, the previous
question is ordered on the resolution.
There was no objection.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. The question is on the resolution.
The resolution was agreed to.
A motion to reconsider was laid on the table.
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