[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 153 (Thursday, November 17, 2005)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2388]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                  CONCERN OVER THE KASHMIR EARTHQUAKE

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. JOHN CONYERS, JR.

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, November 17, 2005

  Mr. CONYERS. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to speak on behalf of the 
earthquake which occurred in Kashmir. On October 8th, a magnitude 7.6 
earthquake hit Pakistan, India, Afghanistan. So far, Over 80,000 have 
perished and three million are homeless. Over half of those who lost 
their lives were school aged children who were attending school. It is 
evident a generation of Pakistani's no longer exist. I am concerned 
that tens of thousands will also soon perish from weather, disease, and 
malnutrition.
  Our President, who campaigned as a compassionate conservative, has 
been wholly inadequate in his response to the crisis in Pakistan. The 
United Nations has asked for $550 million in emergency aid. Although, 
we have given only $40 million while our generous citizens have given 
more than $50 million in relief aid. To date, we have only pledged $150 
million for reconstruction when the World Bank estimates Pakistan needs 
$5.2 Billion. Our government can do much better.
  Last week, the President instructed 5 Fortune 500 CEOs to fundraise 
for the disaster. This should help. However, we need to show our allies 
that the U.S. will help them in their time of need. If we are serious 
about the welfare of the Muslim world and our ally, Pakistan; then we 
will pledge significantly in the upcoming donor conference this weekend 
in Islamabad, Pakistan. We proved our great generosity after Tsunami; 
we need to show it again.

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