[Congressional Record Volume 154, Number 78 (Tuesday, May 13, 2008)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E905]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                           CHINA'S EARTHQUAKE

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                           HON. JIM McDERMOTT

                             of washington

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, May 13, 2008

  Mr. McDERMOTT. Madam Speaker, for the people in and around the city 
of Seattle, home to my Seventh Congressional District, the devastating 
earthquake in China is very personal and very painful.
  For over a quarter century, Seattle and Chongqing, in the Sichuan 
province, hardest hit by the quake, have been sister cities. I'm proud 
that I was a member of the 1982 delegation which established the 
relationship with the people of Chongqing.
  It is always difficult to see devastation on a scale like this, but 
it's especially hard when there are direct and personal ties, as there 
are with the people in Sichuan province, where the death toll keeps 
climbing.
  The magnitude of this tragedy is hard to comprehend, and we want to 
help any way we can.
  Seattle has a significant Chinese community and people are making 
every effort to obtain news about family members and friends.
  And, as a community, we are involved in relief efforts.
  Constituents in the Seventh Congressional District are donating money 
and supplies to international relief organizations.
  Companies and organizations in and around Seattle are helping.
  And, people across Washington are involved as well.
  I applaud them all for their generosity and willingness to get 
involved.
  I want the Chinese government and Chinese people to know that they 
are not alone in this time of tragedy.
  Geography may separate us, but humanity unites us.
  If you want to get involved, world renowned organizations like World 
Vision and Mercy Corps are leading relief efforts. All that we do will 
help.

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