[Congressional Record Volume 154, Number 86 (Friday, May 23, 2008)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1066-E1067]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




EXPRESSING CONDOLENCES AND SYMPATHY TO THE PEOPLE OF SICHUAN PROVINCE, 
                                 CHINA

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                             HON. AL GREEN

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, May 20, 2008

  Mr. AL GREEN of Texas. Madam Speaker, I am proud to support H. Res. 
1195 and express my heartfelt sympathy for the many victims of the 
recent earthquake in China's Sichuan province. My prayers go out to all 
those who lost loved ones and property in this unfortunate tragedy, and 
it is my sincere hope that the people of the region will be able to 
recover quickly from the humanitarian crisis that has developed.

[[Page E1067]]

  The devastating 7.8 magnitude earthquake that occurred on May 12, 
2008 has already resulted in the loss of over 51,000 lives. More than 
29,000 people remain missing, and nearly 300,000 others have been 
reported as injured. The earthquake also destroyed 80 percent of the 
buildings in the area, killing thousands of children who were trapped 
in collapsing schools. Roughly 5 million of the survivors are now 
homeless.
  When faced with such tragedy, we must never forget the ability of the 
human spirit to persevere. The inspirational stories of courage and 
survival that have come out of this disaster remind us to never lose 
faith, even in the most trying of times. I would like to especially 
commend all those who have come out in support of the victims. From 
international relief organizations to local community volunteers, 
people of all backgrounds have set their differences aside and come 
together to help those in need. In the past week alone, the regions of 
China most affected by the earthquake have received over $2 billion in 
donations.
  While some of this news is encouraging, it is clear that the people 
of the People's Republic of China have suffered greatly from this 
catastrophe. I truly wish them my heartfelt prayers as they work to 
rebuild their communities and move forward with their lives.

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