[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
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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.
____________________