[Congressional Record Volume 154, Number 116 (Tuesday, July 15, 2008)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1461]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




RESOLUTION TO RECOGNIZE ACTIONS OF CHINESE INDIVIDUALS WHO HAVE BROUGHT 
              RELIEF TO VICTIMS OF THE SICHUAN EARTHQUAKE

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. JAMES P. MORAN

                              of virginia

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, July 15, 2008

  Mr. MORAN of Virginia. Madam Speaker, I rise to introduce a 
resolution that recognizes the actions of Chinese individuals and non-
governmental organizations that have brought relief to victims of the 
Sichuan earthquake. The resolution also recognizes and encourages a 
potential new era of openness by the Chinese Government.
  Following the tragic earthquake in Sichuan Province on May 20, we 
have heard and read accounts describing the generous response of 
thousands of individuals and hundreds of NGOs who have raised money, 
delivered food and tents, and provided direct hands-on assistance to 
the survivors. Foreign journalists and China's new generation of media 
have been granted unprecedented access into the earthquake stricken 
areas and reported on the quake with an intensity and professionalism 
once thought impossible.
  Contrast what has happened in China today with what happened 
following the Great Tangshan earthquake of 1976. The Chinese Government 
blocked foreign access and even tried to hide from its own citizens the 
tragedy that took the loss of more than 250,000 lives.
  There are many human rights concerns in China I share with my 
colleagues. Notwithstanding these concerns, we need to recognize and 
encourage actions that bring about positive change and plant the seeds 
of a better civil society. I encourage my colleagues to support this 
resolution.

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