[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 1 (Tuesday, January 4, 2005)]
[Senate]
[Pages S7-S11]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 EXPRESSING THE SYMPATHY AND PLEDGING SUPPORT OF THE UNITED STATES FOR 
THE VICTIMS OF THE TSUNAMI THAT STRUCK SOUTH ASIA, SOUTHEAST ASIA, AND 
                                 AFRICA

  Mr. FRIST. Mr. President, I send a resolution to the desk and ask for 
its immediate consideration.
  The VICE PRESIDENT. The clerk will report the resolution by title.
  The legislative clerk read as follows:

       A resolution (S. Res. 4) expressing the sympathy and 
     pledging the support of the United States Senate and the 
     people of the United States for the victims of the powerful 
     earthquake and devastating tsunami that struck Bangladesh, 
     Burma, India, Indonesia, Kenya, Malaysia, the Maldives, the 
     Seychelles, Somalia, Sri Lanka, Tanzania, Thailand, and other 
     areas of South Asia, Southeast Asia, and Africa, on December 
     26, 2004.

  The VICE PRESIDENT. Without objection, the resolution and its 
preamble are considered and agreed to.
  The resolution (S. Res. 4), with its preamble, reads as follows:

                               S. Res. 4

       Whereas on December 26, 2004, a tremendous earthquake, 
     registered at 9.0 on the Richter scale and centered 100 miles 
     off the coast of Northern Sumatra, Indonesia, triggered a 
     deadly tsunami that swept throughout the Indian Ocean and 
     beyond, devastating cities, towns, and communities, and 
     killing or injuring persons in Southeast Asia and South Asia, 
     through the island nations of the region, to Eastern Africa;
       Whereas, as a result of the earthquake and ensuing tsunami, 
     more than 140,000 people have lost their lives to date, tens 
     of thousands of people are injured or missing, and the final 
     death toll could climb into the hundreds of thousands;
       Whereas the victims also include thousands of nationals who 
     were visiting the region when the tsunami hit, including 
     significant numbers from Europe and North and South America;
       Whereas millions of people throughout Southeast Asia and 
     South Asia have been left without food, shelter, or clean 
     water, and now face deadly diseases such as cholera, dengue 
     fever, dysentery, malaria, and typhoid;
       Whereas thousands of children have been killed or injured, 
     by this disaster;
       Whereas, as a result of this tragedy, thousands of children 
     have been separated from their families or orphaned and are 
     in need of re-unification or adoption;
       Whereas whole coastal communities and cities throughout the 
     region were obliterated;
       Whereas recovery, reconstruction, and clean-up of the 
     devastated areas likely will take years, billions of dollars, 
     and the concerted leadership of the United States working 
     together with the international community;
       Whereas the people of the United States immediately 
     responded and expressed their sympathy and concern by sending 
     financial aid and other assistance currently totaling more 
     than $100,000,000, through nongovernmental organizations and 
     other means, to the victims of this disaster, and by offering 
     to volunteer in the disaster rescue, recovery, and 
     rebuilding;
       Whereas soon after the earthquake and tsunami hit the 
     region, the United States

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     Government expressed its condolences and invoked six disaster 
     declarations for the nations hardest hit by this natural 
     disaster, thus triggering the release of emergency funding to 
     these countries;
       Whereas less than 24 hours after these tragedies became 
     known, the United States announced an initial pledge of 
     $15,000,000 for emergency humanitarian assistance, which was 
     increased to $35,000,000 in the following days as the scope 
     of the tragedy unfolded;
       Whereas President George W. Bush also dispatched more than 
     20 United States military cargo and patrol aircraft, 
     redirected a Marine expeditionary unit and a carrier task 
     force, and deployed several hundred United States military 
     personnel to the region to assist with the disaster response, 
     recovery, and delivery of relief supplies;
       Whereas, in response to an early appeal by the 
     International Federation of the Red Cross and Red Crescent 
     for $7,500,000, the United States provided $4,000,000 for the 
     distribution of emergency shelter materials and other relief 
     commodities, and provided more than 3,000 metric tons of rice 
     to the United Nations World Food Program for use in the 
     affected region;
       Whereas President George W. Bush has established a regional 
     core group with Australia, Canada, India, Japan, and the 
     Netherlands, with the United Nations, to help coordinate 
     relief efforts, and sent a senior delegation of experts, led 
     by Secretary of State Colin Powell and Florida Governor Jeb 
     Bush, to meet with regional leaders and international 
     organizations to assess what additional aid can be provided 
     by the United States;
       Whereas on December 31, 2004, President Bush increased the 
     United States pledge to $350,000,000 in aid and stated that 
     the United States' contributions to disaster relief and 
     recovery ``will continue to be revised as the full effects of 
     this terrible tragedy become clearer'';
       Whereas pledges of assistance from all international 
     organizations, multilateral development banks, and 
     governments, including the United States, now exceed 
     $2,000,000,000; and
       Whereas, on January 3, 2005, the President appointed former 
     Presidents George H. W. Bush and Bill Clinton to lead a 
     nationwide charitable fund-raising effort to elicit greater 
     relief and assistance to the victims of the powerful 
     earthquake and devastating tsunami: Now, therefore, be it
       Resolved, That the Senate--
       (1) expresses its heartfelt sympathy for the victims of the 
     powerful earthquake and devastating tsunami that struck 
     cities, towns, and communities throughout Southeast Asia, 
     South Asia, Eastern Africa, and the region on December 26, 
     2004;
       (2) conveys its most sincere condolences to the families, 
     communities, and governments of the more than 140,000 people 
     that lost their lives in this terrible natural disaster;
       (3) expresses its gratitude and respect for the courageous 
     and committed work of all aid and relief personnel, including 
     United States military personnel, who are saving lives and 
     providing relief assistance in the devastated areas of the 
     region;
       (4) supports President George W. Bush's pledge of 
     $350,000,000 in direct financial assistance, and tens of 
     millions of dollars in additional indirect assistance through 
     the dispatch of United States military aircraft, naval 
     vessels, and personnel, and through the United States 
     Government's substantial voluntary and annual contributions 
     to international organizations and bodies;
       (5) commends the ongoing international relief effort that 
     includes the work of individual countries, numerous 
     international organizations, and various relief and other 
     nongovernmental entities;
       (6) reaffirms that the United States Government is 
     committed to providing relief and assistance in the most 
     effective and efficient means possible, and will continue to 
     assess, anticipate, and provide further assistance as needed 
     in the weeks and months ahead;
       (7) recognizes that the support of the United States 
     Government will be greatly supplemented by private donations 
     and assistance from thousands of United States citizens, 
     charitable organizations, religious groups, and corporations 
     that routinely provide generous and significant amounts of 
     aid, support, and volunteers; and
       (8) fully supports the long-term commitment and engagement 
     of the United States to provide financial aid and other forms 
     of direct and indirect assistance to the countries and 
     peoples of the region impacted by the powerful earthquake and 
     the devastating tsunami.

  Mr. FRIST. Mr. President, on the morning of December 26, one of the 
worst catastrophes the world has ever seen slammed the coast of 
Southeast Asia, South Asia, and eastern Africa.
  Deep in the Indian Ocean, an enormous earthquake, estimated at a 
magnitude of 9.0 on the Richter Scale--possibly one of the most 
powerful earthquakes ever in history--caused a devastating tsunami 
which has now killed over 150,000 people, seriously injuring another 
half a million, and displacing as many as 5 million individuals from 
their demolished homes.
  Thousands of people were literally washed out to sea as the enormous 
wall of water, traveling at speeds of up to 500 miles per hour in the 
open ocean, struck the coasts of the Indian Ocean Rim. As those waves 
receded, they took with them whole towns and villages. They took with 
them families on holiday, fishermen at sea, and children who had gone 
down to the beach that morning to play.
  One only begins to comprehend the enormity of the tragedy as the 
individual stories emerge, as they have over the last several days, 
such as the father who helped his daughter climb on to the roof of 
their hotel and drowned in his act of heroism or the 13-year-old boy 
who held his grandmother afloat as long as he could before she 
succumbed to the waves.
  The tragedy continues for these already devastated people. Survivors 
now face the ``disaster after the disaster''--the risk of death from 
cholera, dysentery, malaria, typhoid, and diarrhea, all potentially on 
an epidemic scale. The lack of potable water and potential emergence of 
waterborne illnesses pose an enormous public health threat.
  In the last week, I have spent hours on the phone with ambassadors 
from the affected countries, with senior U.S. officials and private 
citizens, to help coordinate some of those relief efforts. I am 
gratified--overwhelmed, in fact--by the generosity and commitment so 
many people have shown at every level, from local communities to our 
Government. Their outpouring of support and concern is truly 
remarkable.
  One friend of mine, Carl Lindner, has a son who is putting together 
medical and relief supplies on a 747 charter to India this week.
  Franklin Graham and my friends from Samaritan's Purse are in the 
field right now with assessments and are investing heavily through 
Samaritan's Purse, especially in rural areas that are far from airports 
or far from towns or far from those areas we can reach as easily.
  Condoleezza Rice and our U.S. officials are working tirelessly to 
coordinate our efforts.
  Fred Smith's company, FedEx, is transporting 150,000 pounds of 
Pedialite formula donated by Ross Labs. The shipment was loaded onto a 
FedEx aircraft yesterday morning in Columbus, Ohio, and should arrive 
in Sri Lanka tomorrow.
  And, of course, the American people have shown extraordinary 
compassion and sympathy and empathy. By their own initiative, private 
individuals and charities and nongovernment organizations and 
businesses have raised millions of dollars to aid the tsunami victims. 
I am filled with admiration for the compassion demonstrated by our 
fellow citizens.
  As we return to Congress, we will act quickly on a clean tsunami 
supplemental. President Bush announced on Friday that America has 
pledged $350 million in relief assistance, with $15 million already 
speeding toward the hands of relief organizations in the affected 
countries. The administration will continue to revise this number as 
the full extent of the disaster becomes known.

  American military ships, airplanes, and helicopters are right now 
delivering food. Over 48 helicopters right now are operating, 
delivering these medical supplies and food and water. Medicine, tents, 
water, ladders, food--all being delivered through the compassion of the 
international community. We have more than 20 patrol and cargo aircraft 
that have been made available to assess the disaster and deliver relief 
supplies. Twelve thousand of our men and women in uniform are working 
around the clock right now to reach survivors in remote corners of the 
region and to participate in the delivery of that relief. Evacuation 
helicopters are bringing stranded victims to safety.
  The United States has set up a 24-hour, 7-day-a-week Disaster 
Response Command Center at the U.S. Agency for International 
Development headquarters here in Washington, along with regional 
coordination centers in Thailand and Sri Lanka. Together with 
governments from around the world, America is leading the largest 
international relief effort in history.
  As we speak, a delegation, led by Secretary Colin Powell and Governor 
Jeb Bush, is meeting with leaders of the affected countries to show 
America's support and solidarity, and to determine how we can continue 
to be effective, to maximize our effectiveness.
  Later tonight I too will travel to the region to survey the damage, 
spending

[[Page S9]]

Thursday in Sri Lanka touring disaster sites and visiting hospitals, 
surveying our relief efforts, and lending my help wherever I can, 
including medical assistance. Following that, I and others will travel 
to the southeast coast of India on a similar mission.
  The purpose of our trip is several fold: to assure the people of the 
region that we are engaged and fully committed. The Senate is taking 
these first steps as an institution by adopting the resolution 
expressing our sympathy for the countries and victims affected and 
promising our full support of America's relief efforts.
  While in the region, we will also make a personal assessment of what 
U.S. assistance is needed and will have the opportunity to meet with 
leaders of the affected countries and ask personally how America can 
best help. I intend to ensure that aid is following as efficiently and 
effectively as possible.
  The Senate is taking its first step here today as we consider and 
adopt the Senate resolution expressing sympathy and pledging support to 
the victims of the earthquake and tsunami that struck the peoples of 
Southeast Asia, South Asia, the island nations of the region, and 
eastern Africa.
  Senator Reid and I have worked closely on this effort in a bipartisan 
manner to express the unanimous agreement of this body, the U.S. 
Senate.
  I also thank Senator Dick Lugar, who has shown steadfast leadership 
in this time of crisis and who has worked closely on this resolution 
with us as well. I know his committee in the coming weeks and months 
ahead will be delving into many matters relating to this disaster. We 
extend our great thanks to him.
  Let me close my remarks by offering, on behalf of myself, the U.S. 
Senate, and the American people, our deepest sympathies to the victims 
of this terrible tragedy.
  Our hearts and prayers are with you--the victims, the survivors, and 
their families. The struggle to recover will be long. We all know that. 
It will be difficult. There will be many sorrow-filled days as we learn 
the full impact of this tragedy, but throughout the United States will 
stand shoulder to shoulder with the people of these devastated lands. 
We are determined to help rebuild their communities and restore their 
hope.
  America is a great nation because it is a compassionate nation. It is 
our solemn commitment and obligation as a free people to share the 
blessing of liberty, especially with those who are so desperately in 
need.
  I yield the floor.
  The PRESIDENT pro tempore. The Senator from Nevada.
  Mr. REID. Mr. President, the day after the tsunami, I had the 
opportunity to meet with scores of people from Southeast Asia. There 
were people from Sri Lanka. The person who put the event together was 
from Bangladesh. We had people from Thailand, India, many people. It 
was an event in my honor. They had bought out a restaurant that night. 
It was a festive occasion, but there was a pall over what we were doing 
as a result of the tsunami that had taken place.
  This tsunami was so difficult. These people in Reno, NV, had come to 
our country for the opportunity to realize their hopes and dreams. Each 
one of them love America, but of course they also feel an abiding love 
for their native lands and cultures.
  I have trouble comprehending the power of nature. I read that the 
earthquake that took place was a million times more powerful than the 
bomb dropped on Nagasaki--not one thousand times, a million times. It 
was so powerful it threw off the Earth's rotation. This was a powerful 
act of nature.
  In today's world, there is no such thing as an isolated event. It hit 
11 countries. We are all connected to those countries. One hundred or 
so years ago that wouldn't have been the case. Fifty years ago it would 
have been less the case. The earthquake that caused the deadly tsunami 
was estimated at 9.0 on the Richter Scale. It was first picked up in 
Hawaii. They thought it was 8.0. I thought to myself, 8, 9, is that a 
big difference? It is 100 times different.
  The President pro tempore is from Alaska. It is my understanding that 
the only earthquake in recent history that was stronger took place in 
Alaska. Fortunately, there were not a lot of people in Alaska and there 
wasn't the deadly tsunami that occurred following that earthquake.

  We don't know the death toll. They found 6,000 more dead people 
yesterday, 9 or 10 days after the event. It is probably 150,000 and 
counting. Tens of thousands of people are missing. Millions have lost 
their homes. We are all affected by this catastrophic loss. We all 
share the anguish of a mother who lost a child, a father who lost a 
child. We feel the bewilderment and fear of children who lost their 
parents. That is why I am happy this resolution contains a paragraph 
dealing with adoption.
  We all want to help. Since this tragedy took place 9 days ago, the 
world has seen an outpouring of aid for the victims of this tsunami. I 
spoke with the Democratic ranking member on the Finance Committee. He 
also has to deal with Senator Grassley, the chairman. They are 
concerned that the outpouring of charity by the people of the United 
States will be recognized taxwise. We need to do that so they can get 
some benefit for the money they gave before the end of the year. I hope 
we can.
  The American people have opened their hearts and wallets, donating 
millions of dollars to groups such as the Red Cross that are working to 
provide relief from this disaster. Two former Presidents with whom I 
had the good fortune of serving in the Congress, Bill Clinton and 
George Bush the first, have agreed to lead the charitable efforts for 
the United States.
  We got off to a slow start. There is no question about that. At the 
event I talked about in Reno, we talked about Secretary Powell's press 
conference where he said we were going to provide $15 million. We were 
all terribly disappointed in that. I hoped that the Secretary didn't 
realize the full impact of the tragedy that had taken place. I couldn't 
imagine he would have done that had he known. Fifteen million is half 
as much as we are spending on the inaugural ceremonies this month. And 
then it took a while for the President to step forward. Let's put all 
that behind us. America has now stepped forward. I am proud of what we 
have done and what we are doing. We have a lot more to do.
  I was glad to see the U.S. military, as stretched as we are, step 
forward with aircraft carriers and other resources that only the 
military can put forward. I listened to something on Public Radio 
today. It said that on one island in Indonesia, they had instructed the 
American helicopter pilots not to bring in any more wounded: People who 
are sick, we cannot take care of them. The American pilots brought them 
in anyway. As a result of that, the American military responded by 
setting up a field hospital that will take care of those people. We are 
doing a lot. We have more to do.
  The magnitude of the disaster that befell this part of the world is 
unbelievable to most of us. I am glad that America is now responding. 
That is why this resolution is so important. We have increased our 
commitment. I have already talked about the aircraft, the ships, the 
helicopters that deliver the food and water and clothing. One of those 
aircraft carriers makes thousands and thousands of gallons of pure, 
fresh water every day. That will be taken off the aircraft carrier to 
people who have despoiled water, water that is contaminated.

  The response of the American people and our Government is important 
for many reasons. Obviously, our efforts help relieve the suffering of 
these victims, but they also help show the world what kind of a nation 
and people we are. David Ignatius wrote a wonderful column in the 
Washington Post where he talked about our ability to respond to world 
situations when there is such a disaster. We are not going to be able 
to win the war against terror unless we are able to show the world that 
we are a country based upon laws, not men, that we are a charitable 
nation, that we are a nation that is concerned about people's rights, 
human rights.
  If we are able to show by virtue of the example we are setting with 
the disaster that befell these 11 nations, we will be able to convert 
people who are sympathetic to evil terrorists. We have a lot of people 
who are sympathetic to what these evil terrorists are doing. With 
actions such as this, we will be

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able to show to those people who are sympathetic to the terrorists that 
maybe their sympathy is not well placed. I am confident we can do that, 
and in the process we will win the war on terror that is being 
perpetrated against not only us but against the world.
  I commend and applaud the majority leader for working to make the 
resolution the first order of legislative business in this session of 
Congress. It is important that we do that. Again, I appreciate the 
opportunity to speak.
  Mr. LUGAR. Mr. President, the tidal waves, tsunamis, that traversed 
the Indian Ocean and the Western Pacific on December 26 have caused 
death and destruction in at least 12 countries, particularly India, 
Indonesia, Sri Lanka and Thailand. The tsunami disaster constitutes a 
humanitarian tragedy of incredible proportions. Currently, experts 
estimate that more than 150,000 people have perished and countless 
people are injured. Millions are homeless and at risk from disease. 
These tragic numbers are expected to rise as we obtain additional 
information.
  The United States is a compassionate country that will respond 
generously to this human catastrophe. Under the leadership of President 
Bush, the agencies and resources of the U.S. Government have been 
mobilized to assist in the initial humanitarian effort. In addition, 
innumerable individual Americans and U.S. businesses have donated 
millions of dollars directly to international relief efforts. As the 
world leader in international disaster assistance, the United States 
must work closely with the international community to implement the 
most effective response possible in the coming weeks and months.
  Beyond the compelling humanitarian reasons for swift action, a stable 
and prosperous Asia is essential to the global effort on a range of 
shared problems, including weapons proliferation, terrorism, narcotics, 
and contagious diseases. The worldwide economic and political 
consequences of this natural disaster could be even more severe unless 
we commit ourselves to advancing a strong recovery in the region.
  This resolution explains the gravity of the situation, offers 
condolences to the victims and their loved ones, and sets the stage for 
Congress to make additional appropriations that will aid in the 
recovery. Congress must work with the President for a generous 
supplemental appropriation that goes well beyond the amounts of money 
already committed.
  A summit pledging conference is scheduled to occur in Jakarta, 
Indonesia on Thursday. The United States should be there in a 
leadership position. This will be an important opportunity to work with 
the world community in responding to this tragedy. American 
humanitarian, diplomatic, and national security interests will be 
deeply affected by the outcome of this conference.
  My heart goes out to the victims of this tragedy. While financial and 
in-kind assistance cannot replace the huge loss of life that countries 
in the region have suffered, the United States' contribution will, at 
least, help the survivors rebuild their lives.
  Mr. FEINGOLD. Mr. President, I express my sincere sympathy for the 
millions of people affected by the devastating earthquake and tsunami 
that struck Southeast Asia, South Asia, and East Africa on December 26. 
The scale of this disaster is overwhelming, and the human losses are 
horrifying. Families have been shattered and whole communities lost, 
and because so many international tourists were in the region, 
virtually every part of the world--including the United States--is 
represented in the list of casualties.
  I know the sorrow that I feel as I review the reports of devastating 
losses is shared by the people of Wisconsin and by all Americans. I 
know that we also share a sense of resolve--resolve to provide whatever 
assistance we can to the survivors and the affected communities, and 
resolve to be steadfast partners in the long-term reconstruction 
efforts that must follow the relief operations.
  I vividly recall the powerful voices that rose up from all corners of 
the globe in the wake of the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001. I 
remember how they conveyed a sense of solidarity and support that gave 
our country comfort and affirmed the bonds that unite all of humanity, 
regardless of nationality, ethnicity, or religion. Now, countless 
American voices are also sounding loudly and clearly in that same 
spirit.
  I am grateful for the efforts of so many around the world to come to 
the aid of those in need, including U.S. military personnel who are 
working day and night to help. Businesses and individuals from around 
Wisconsin have contacted my office, looking for ways that they can 
help. I am proud to be a cosponsor of the resolution before the Senate 
that expresses our sympathy and pledges our support to the victims of 
this catastrophe, and I pledge to continue working with my colleagues 
to ensure that our words continue to be matched by our actions.
  Ms. CANTWELL. Mr. President, today the Senate expresses its 
condolences over the recent tsunami disaster. Like most Americans, I 
watched in horror over the holidays as a tsunami battered thousands of 
miles of coastline across South Asia and Africa. The damage left in the 
wake of this disaster is almost overwhelming, and I feel a sense of 
personal and professional obligation to do whatever can be done to help 
those in need. Though the grim reports have varied in the days 
following this disaster, it is becoming clear that nearly 150,000 
people have already lost their lives, and hundreds of thousands of 
others are in grave jeopardy because of the damage inflicted by the 
tsunami. Still more families are searching for loved ones, hoping for 
any news regarding their family members' whereabouts.
  In trying to guide a humanitarian effort through the aftermath of 
this tragedy, the United States and the larger international community 
must help these countries face longer term obstacles of disease, the 
destruction of basic infrastructure, complete damage to coastal 
economies and other fundamental hardship. America has itself been the 
victim of great tragedies such as this, and indeed it appears that 
thousands of Americans living or traveling in South Asia and Africa 
have themselves been affected by this horrible natural disaster.
  My heart goes out to all these victims of the tsunami. It is time for 
the world, particularly those nations that are most fortunate such as 
the United States, to move rapidly with a relief and recovery effort 
that is worthy of the size of this tragedy. I am encouraged that our 
Government, in cooperation with private sector charities and the 
business community, has now begun to focus on what can be done to help 
the affected countries. This tragedy provides America with an 
opportunity to show that we can lead the world, not just when it is our 
military that is needed, but when we can offer our generosity and 
expertise for a massive humanitarian effort. So many nations affected 
by this tragedy are looking to America for help and we have an 
opportunity to provide the world our leadership. In addition to it 
being the right thing to do, it is clearly in America's national 
interest to be a leader in helping these countries to recover.
  In this spirit, I wholeheartedly support the administration's pledge 
of $350 million to the relief effort. I also commend the involvement of 
former Presidents Clinton and Bush in helping to organize a private 
relief effort. I would also like to commend the work being done by our 
private sector, particularly by nongovernmental organizations and the 
business community, to help those in need. This charitable work is 
quintessentially American, and these efforts are something for which we 
can all be proud.
  I also want to share with my colleagues that we should be aware that 
the generosity of the American people in response to this disaster 
extends to the knowledge we have to share with the world regarding the 
monitoring and reporting of oceanic and climatic events.
  There is important research and monitoring already being done by the 
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration on tsunami events, work 
that involves the University of Washington in my State. Scientists are 
learning how better to monitor patterns or impending developments in 
our oceans so we can be prepared for future possible events. We do not 
always focus on the good work being done by NOAA, until something 
tragic like this tsunami occurs. Congress has

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an obligation to people on our coasts to fund NOAA and see that it can 
do its job well, and we should work to fulfill that obligation.
  In the United States, NOAA's National Weather Service operates two 
tsunami warning centers, the Pacific Tsunami Warning Center in Hawaii 
and the West Coast/Alaska Tsunami Warning Center in Alaska. In the 
event of a tsunami, the Centers will issue local tsunami advisories to 
the Emergency Managers Office of each potentially affected State. The 
decision to evacuate a coastal area rests with each responsible EM. The 
Seattle Post Intelligencer reported that the current U.S. network 
consists of six deep-sea sensors in Alaska, Washington, Oregon, Hawaii, 
and near the equator off the coast of Peru. In addition to the six 
tsunami buoys, the warning system takes advantage of existing tidal 
monitoring stations and USGS seismic monitoring and reporting 
capabilities. The NOAA official in charge of the system described the 
current configuration as the ``bare minimum'' needed for adequate 
warning. There are plans to expand the system to 20 tsunami buoys in 
the next five years, 10 of which will be placed in the Aleutian 
Islands. NOAA is estimating one-time costs of $8.7 million and 
recurring costs of $8.5 million to enhance the current system.
  NOAA also runs a Tsunami Research Program out of the Pacific Marine 
Environmental Laboratory in Seattle. The objective of the Tsunami 
Research Program is to improve warning guidance, hazard assessment, and 
implementation planning. The Joint Institute for the Study of the 
Atmosphere and Ocean, a partnership between NOAA and UW, has also 
worked with the Tsunami Research Program on hazard assessment modeling.
  PMEL has also developed instruments it has named tsunameters. With 
six deployed in the middle of the Pacific since 2001 in waters 2.5 to 4 
miles deep, the tsunameters can detect the perturbations in water 
pressure as a tsunami passes above. When it detects something, it sends 
a signal by sound waves to a buoy on the surface. The signal is relayed 
to a satellite and then back to Earth to tsunami warning centers in 
Hawaii and Alaska, a process that takes only 2 minutes.
  No significant tsunamis have yet occurred in the Pacific for the 
tsunameters to detect, but they have prevented a false alarm. In 
November 2003, a magnitude 7.8 undersea earthquake occurred near the 
Aleutian Islands, spurring officials to issue a tsunami warning. When 
the wave passed over a tsunameter, they saw it was small and canceled 
the warning.
  In conclusion, I again express my condolences and those of 
Washingtonians to those who have lost family members in this tragedy. 
The Senate should do all it can to help all those who face a long and 
difficult cleanup.
  Mr. SALAZAR. Mr. President, I wish to express my profound condolences 
for the victims of the earthquake and tsunami in Southeast Asia, South 
Asia, and Africa. I commend our two leaders for writing S. Res. 4, 
passed unanimously by the Senate earlier this afternoon. It is right 
and fitting that on our first day of business in this Congress the 
Senate has united to send a message of hope and leadership to the 
victims of this horrible disaster.
  We were all mortified to learn of the devastation caused by this 
disaster as we awoke after a day of Christmas celebrations. The news 
from this disaster has been arriving so fast and furious that it is 
hard to put the kinds of numbers we are talking about in perspective. 
We know there are more than 150,000 people dead--that is 150,000 
personal tragedies. And there are hundreds of thousands of others who 
are homeless and whose lives have been turned upside down by this 
tragedy. We said clearly to their families and loved ones in our 
resolution today that we are here to help them recover and rebuild.
  The generosity and compassion of America will be felt in Bangladesh, 
Burma, India, Indonesia, Kenya, Malaysia, Maldives, Seychelles, 
Somalia, Sri Lanka, Tanzania, and Thailand. In fact, our troops and 
humanitarian assistance professionals are already bringing hope to 
those countries in the form of water, food and comfort. We thank our 
troops for their hard work and for showing the world the best of 
America, as they always do.
  I am also mindful this afternoon that this terrible disaster has 
wreaked havoc in our own country and in my own state of Colorado. My 
thoughts and prayers go out to all the victims and their families.

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