[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 89 (Monday, June 15, 2009)]
[House]
[Pages H6750-H6752]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




          EXPRESSING CONDOLENCES TO ITALIAN EARTHQUAKE VICTIMS

  Mr. FALEOMAVAEGA. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree 
to the resolution (H. Res. 430) expressing condolences to the citizens 
of Italy and support for the Government of Italy in the aftermath of 
the devastating earthquake that struck the Abruzzo region of central 
Italy, as amended.
  The Clerk read the title of the resolution.
  The text of the resolution is as follows:

                              H. Res. 430

       Whereas, in the early morning hours of April 6, 2009, a 6.3 
     magnitude earthquake struck the Abruzzo region of central 
     Italy, killing over 250 people, damaging or destroying up to 
     15,000 buildings, and leaving tens of thousands homeless;
       Whereas the epicenter of the quake was the town of 
     L'Aquila, located 60 miles northeast of Rome, and massive 
     destruction was reported in 26 surrounding cities, towns, and 
     villages;
       Whereas rescue workers, who heroically pulled over 100 
     survivors from the rubble, continued to find survivors 
     amongst the wreckage days after the quake struck;
       Whereas strong aftershocks continued to rock the region and 
     created hazardous conditions for residents and rescue 
     workers;
       Whereas this was Italy's deadliest quake since 1980;
       Whereas the earthquake damaged centuries old landmarks 
     including churches and castles;
       Whereas humanitarian aid agencies in the United States and 
     around the world mobilized to provide much needed assistance 
     to the relief and recovery efforts;
       Whereas President Barack Obama expressed his condolences, 
     and those of the people of the United States, to families 
     that have lost loved ones and assured Italian Prime Minister 
     Berlusconi that the United States stood ready to help Italy 
     at this time of need; and
       Whereas Prime Minister Berlusconi said that Italy would 
     accept the support offered by President Obama and would 
     devote it to preserving the region's cultural and artistic 
     heritage and educational institutions: Now, therefore, be it
       Resolved, That the House of Representatives--
       (1) mourns the loss of life and expresses its deepest 
     condolences to the families of those killed and injured in 
     the earthquake;
       (2) recognizes the deep ties between the United States and 
     Italy and expresses continued solidarity with the people of 
     Italy during this time of crisis;
       (3) applauds the courageous response of Italian rescue 
     workers;
       (4) supports President Obama's offer of United States 
     assistance to Italy in response to this catastrophic event;
       (5) urges the people of the United States to generously 
     support those humanitarian aid agencies working to assist the 
     people of Italy in this time of need;
       (6) commends the many United States organizations, 
     including the National Italian-American Foundation, working 
     to demonstrate support and solidarity with the Italian people 
     and raising funds to provide needed help; and
       (7) expresses gratitude to the people of the United States 
     who have generously supported those humanitarian aid agencies 
     working to assist the people of Italy in this time of need.

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to the rule, the gentleman from 
American Samoa (Mr. Faleomavaega) and the gentleman from Florida (Mr. 
Bilirakis) each will control 20 minutes.
  The Chair recognizes the gentleman from American Samoa.


                             General Leave

  Mr. FALEOMAVAEGA. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all 
Members may have 5 legislative days to revise and extend their remarks 
and include extraneous material in the resolution under consideration.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there objection to the request of the 
gentleman from American Samoa?
  There was no objection.
  Mr. FALEOMAVAEGA. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself as much time as I may 
consume.
  Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of this resolution which 
expresses condolences to the citizens and the Government of Italy in 
the aftermath of the devastating earthquake in the Abruzzo region.
  Mr. Speaker, I wish to thank my good friend and my colleague, Mr. 
Pascrell from the great State of New Jersey, for introducing this 
important resolution that allows the House to add its voice to the 
international outpouring of sympathy for the Italian people in the wake 
of this natural disaster.
  On April 6, the Abruzzo region of central Italy was struck by a 6.3 
magnitude on the Richter scale earthquake. Nearly 300 people were 
killed while tens of thousands were left homeless. In addition to the 
terrible loss of life and livelihood, the earthquake damaged nearly 
15,000 buildings, including hundreds of churches, castles, and heritage 
sites.
  The U.S. Embassy in Rome immediately provided $50,000 in emergency 
relief funding while President Obama expressed his condolences and 
offered additional American assistance. Italian Prime Minister 
Berlusconi, the host of the next G-8 meeting, has relocated the July 
summit to the town of L'Aquila that was at the center of the 
devastation. As he explained, ``The G-8 in L'Aquila represents the 
message of hope for the entire region struck by the earthquake.''
  It is appropriate that the House pauses today, Mr. Speaker, as Prime 
Minister Berlusconi is in Washington, DC, to express its deepest 
condolences to the families killed and injured in the earthquake. We 
also reaffirm the deep ties shared between our people and two 
countries. I strongly support this resolution, and I urge all of my 
colleagues to do likewise.
  I reserve the balance of my time.
  Mr. BILIRAKIS. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself as much time as I may 
consume.
  I rise today in support of this resolution which expresses our 
condolences and sympathy for the people of Italy following the terrible 
loss of life which occurred in the central Abruzzo region last April 
which was struck by a powerful earthquake. Tragically, the 6.3 
magnitude earthquake, which struck in the early morning of April 6, 
killed over 250 people. Tens of thousands more were left homeless as 
their family properties were destroyed. Over 15,000 buildings rich in 
culture and history were obliterated in just moments by the powerful 
shocks.
  I note that despite the danger from the strong aftershocks after the 
earthquake, heroic Italian rescue workers

[[Page H6751]]

nevertheless entered the unstable buildings at risk to themselves and 
pulled hundreds of survivors to safety.
  Mr. Speaker, when we think of Italy, our first thoughts are of the 
beauty, the history, the culture, and especially the warmth and 
kindness of its people. As a Nation, America also has a tremendous 
affinity for Italy since our country has been greatly enriched by those 
Italian immigrants who came to our shores, became part of our American 
Nation, and contributed so much to our culture and economic prosperity. 
And so in the wake of that immense disaster, Americans mourned in 
sympathy with the people in Italy over their tremendous loss and 
committed to stand with them as they work to rebuild and recover.
  I'm pleased to support this resolution which expresses our deepest 
condolences to the Italian people and note that with the support of 
American citizens, humanitarian organizations are continuing to provide 
assistance in the rebuilding of those cities that were affected by the 
earthquake. I urge my colleagues to support passage of this resolution.
  I reserve the balance of my time.
  Mr. FALEOMAVAEGA. Mr. Speaker, how much time do we have remaining?
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The gentleman has 18\1/2\ minutes.
  Mr. FALEOMAVAEGA. At this time, I yield all of the time that he may 
want to consume to my good friend and colleague and the author of this 
legislation, the gentleman from New Jersey (Mr. Pascrell).
  Mr. PASCRELL. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
  Mr. Speaker, just a short while ago I returned from Afghanistan. The 
fifth largest contingency in NATO is from Italy, so we have many 
reminders through history and specifically now of what our relationship 
is between the United States and Italy. So we rise to support this 
resolution, H. Res. 430, expressing our deepest sympathies to the 
citizens of Italy.
  This earthquake was devastating, Mr. Speaker. It ruined a large part 
of the Abruzzo part of Italy. The magnitude of this earthquake is 
understood by many Americans. The university town of L'Aquila, along 
with 26 other surrounding cities, towns, and villages, suffered massive 
destruction. You already have heard of how many people were killed; 
15,000 buildings destroyed. They were historic. They were cultural 
landmarks. Seventy thousand people were displaced. So we extend our 
deepest sympathies. The homes and churches can be rebuilt, but we can 
never replace loved ones.
  Despite the aftershocks that continued to devastate the region for 
days after, rescue workers demonstrated true heroism by pulling over 
100 survivors from the wreckage. Their efforts, along with those of 
humanitarian aid organizations around the globe who continue to work 
tirelessly to return people to their homes and rebuild the region, 
deserve commendation. After traveling to Italy earlier this year, I can 
attest to the resiliency and the strength of the Italian people. And I 
remind us again of the 2,350 troops that fight alongside our brave men 
and women in Afghanistan.
  It is trying times like these that allow us to recognize the deep and 
binding ties between our nations, the United States of America and 
Italy. This tragedy only brings our two nations closer together.
  I would like to take this opportunity to sincerely thank the many 
organizations in the United States, including the National Italian 
American Foundation, NIAF, who are continuously working to raise funds 
to aid the rebuilding efforts in Abruzzo. The Italian American 
community's support and solidarity with the nation of Italy has only 
increased in the aftermath of this natural disaster.
  I also want to commend the Italian Ambassador, Giovanni Castellaneta, 
for his leadership and commitment to the Italian American community.
  I urge my colleagues to join me in passing this resolution to offer 
our sincere condolences to the nation of Italy for its tremendous loss 
as well as pledge our continued support to the Italian Government. I 
will do so also this afternoon when I greet President Berlusconi.
  The G-8 summit is being held July 8, 9, and 10, and that has been 
moved to L'Aquila in the Abruzzo region to redirect funding to that 
region to help with the general reconstruction. Canada, France, 
Germany, Japan, Russia, the United Kingdom, the United States, of 
course, and our President, President Obama, will be there with our 
Italian friends.
  I urge the passage of this legislation. I want to thank the chairman 
and the Speaker. I want to thank the ranking member for all of your 
courtesies. This is something we need to get involved in, to commend 
American organizations for reaching out to our brothers and sisters.
  Ms. PELOSI. Mr. Speaker, today the Congress expresses its deepest 
condolences for those who suffered because of the earthquake in Abruzzo 
in April, and the Congress expresses its strongest support for Italy as 
it rebuilds from this crisis.
  Soon after this disaster struck, I called Prime Minister Berlusconi 
on behalf of my colleagues in the Congress to express our deepest 
condolences to the families and loved ones of those lost. President 
Obama and other leaders from around the world have offered assistance 
to those affected. Prime Minister Berlusconi and the Italian government 
have the steadfast support of the American people as they help the 
people of Abruzzo rebuild.
  As someone who can trace my family's roots back to Venice, Genoa, 
Campobasso, Sicily, and Abruzzo, I am personally committed to ensuring 
that the United States provides all possible assistance.
  In 1980, I had the opportunity to visit Southern Italy in the 
aftermath of another earthquake as part of a U.S. delegation. I saw 
firsthand the courage of the Italian people in the face of a similar 
tragedy. The world saw Italy emerge from this crisis stronger than 
before.
  America is a land discovered by an Italian, named for an Italian, and 
built by millions of Italian Americans.
  The bond between the United States and Italy is uniquely strong 
because of the vital role daughters and sons of Italy have played in 
the United States from its discovery to today.
  Today, we mourn those lost in Abruzzo and those struggling to rebuild 
their lives. And today, as in times of both crisis and calm, we stand 
beside each other as allies and friends.
  Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of H. 
Res. 430, ``Expressing condolences to the citizens of Italy and support 
for the Government of Italy in the aftermath of the devastating 
earthquake that struck the Abruzzo region of central Italy,'' which was 
introduced by my distinguished colleague Representative Pascrell. This 
legislation is important to ensure that we remember those who lost 
their lives in this tragic natural disaster.
  On April 6, 2009, an earthquake with a magnitude of 6.3 shook central 
Italy, causing serious damage in the mountainous Abruzzo region east of 
Rome. This is the worst earthquake in Italy since a 6.9-magnitude 
earthquake struck Eboli, south of Naples, in 1980, killing more than 
2,700 people.
  The earthquake caused damage to between 3,000 and 11,000 buildings, 
the majority of which are in the medieval city of L'Aquila and the 
surrounding villages. 297 people were killed by the earthquake, 20 of 
which were children, and approximately 1,000 people were injured. 
66,000 people were made homeless. Nearly 11,700 rescue workers provided 
emergency relief.
  Texas is no stranger to the effects of a natural disaster. In 2008, 
Hurricane Ike, which was the third most destructive hurricane to ever 
make landfall in the United States, caused the deaths of 37 people 
while dozens are still missing. In Houston, eight deaths have been 
blamed on Hurricane Ike.
  Texas sustained major damage due to Hurricane Ike: an estimated 
100,000 homes were flooded; many trees were uprooted; bus stop shelters 
were mangled; Houston's theater district was flooded; flights in and 
out of Houston's two major airports were suspended; most of Houston's 
roads were clogged for nearly two weeks; and many residents remained 
without power for several weeks after the hurricane. As the 
representative from Houston, I can truly sympathize with the Italian 
people and express my sincere sympathy to every life that was touched 
by this tragedy.
  Additionally, this legislation mourns the loss of life and expresses 
condolences to the families of those killed and injured in the 
earthquake that struck the Abruzzo region of Italy. It also applauds 
the response of Italian rescue workers, recognizes the deep ties 
between the United States and Italy and expresses continued solidarity 
with the people of Italy during this time of crisis.
  Furthermore, this legislation supports President Obama's offer of 
U.S. assistance to Italy in response to this event and expresses 
gratitude to the people of the United States who have supported those 
humanitarian aid agencies working to assist the people of Italy in this

[[Page H6752]]

time of need. The U.S. Embassy in Rome has provided $50,000 in 
emergency relief funding and President Obama has pledged to devote 
resources to preserving the region's cultural and artistic heritage. 
Additionally, as part of the U.S. effort to support the Italian people, 
the U.S. Department of State and the National Italian American 
Foundation (NIAF) formed a public-private partnership to respond to the 
educational needs of the University of L'Aquila, and will strive to 
help the students and other human resource needs. The students are key 
to the future of the region, and the University is the economic 
lifeblood of the city of L'Aquila. It is therefore vital to help this 
sector recover in this time of need.
  The Abruzzo earthquake is a tragedy that has affected lives all over 
the world, the least we can do as a Congress, and as a nation, is to 
recognize those involved in this tragedy and those who are helping 
Italy to rebuild. We cannot withhold this honor from those victims that 
perished in the tragedy. As honored Members of Congress, we have the 
opportunity to ensure that proper recognition is given to those 
involved in the earthquake.
  I firmly believe that we must pass this legislation in order to 
demonstrate our support of those people who lost their lives and those 
people who lost their loved ones, and I urge my colleagues to do the 
same.
  Mr. BILIRAKIS. I yield back the balance of my time.
  Mr. FALEOMAVAEGA. Mr. Speaker, I also yield back the balance of my 
time.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The question is on the motion offered by the 
gentleman from American Samoa (Mr. Faleomavaega) that the House suspend 
the rules and agree to the resolution, H. Res. 430, as amended.
  The question was taken.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. In the opinion of the Chair, two-thirds 
being in the affirmative, the ayes have it.
  Mr. FALEOMAVAEGA. Mr. Speaker, on that I demand the yeas and nays.
  The yeas and nays were ordered.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to clause 8 of rule XX and the 
Chair's prior announcement, further proceedings on this motion will be 
postponed.

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