[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 2 (Thursday, January 6, 2005)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E33]
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

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                          HON. BETTY McCOLLUM

                              of minnesota

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, January 4, 2005

  Ms. McCOLLUM of Minnesota. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H. 
Res. 12, expressing support to the victims of the tragic earthquake and 
tsunami that occurred on December 26, 2004. I offer my deepest 
condolences to the people of Indonesia, Thailand, Sri Lanka, and India, 
along with all of the children and families across South Asia and 
Eastern Africa, in the wake of this devastating event.
  The toll taken by this tragic earthquake and tsunami is staggering: 
More than 150,000 dead, thousands still missing, and 5 million lacking 
basic survival necessities like clean water, food and shelter, and 
healthcare. The world endured the largest earthquake since 1900 and the 
tsunami that followed took the lives of children, their parents, 
tourists and entire families. This is a region ill-prepared for such a 
colossal and devastating natural occurrence. It is a human tragedy of 
epic proportions.
  In response, the world community has embarked on a massive 
humanitarian relief effort unparalleled in the history of disaster 
relief. To date, the United States and other donors have pledged an 
estimated $2 billion in emergency and reconstruction assistance.
  As the wealthiest nation in the world, the United States must lead 
the effort to provide humanitarian assistance. A once belated and 
undervalued response by the United States must now be erased with 
aggressive and generous action. I call on Congress to swiftly authorize 
and appropriate the $350 million pledged by the President so it can be 
delivered promptly to those who need it immediately.
  I also call on the President to ensure that the money he pledged to 
provide humanitarian relief in the wake of this disaster does not come 
at the expense of existing international aid programs assisting 
millions of people across the globe. These programs, for example, help 
AIDS orphans, victims of drought, war refugees and the families in Iraq 
and Afghanistan that are rebuilding their homes and communities. Our 
assistance in these areas must remain a priority.
  The tragic loss of human life and destruction from the earthquake and 
tsunami unite the United States and the entire international community 
in solidarity and support. My thoughts and prayers go out to the 
victims of this terrible tragedy and I pledge my continued support and 
help for their families and the hundreds of relief workers who have 
come to their aid.

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