[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 148 (Wednesday, October 14, 2009)]
[House]
[Pages H11325-H11328]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 EXPRESSING SYMPATHY FOR THE CITIZENS OF THE PHILIPPINES DEALING WITH 
                TROPICAL STORM KETSANA AND TYPHOON PARMA

  Mr. FALEOMAVAEGA. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree 
to the resolution (H. Res. 800) expressing sympathy for the citizens of 
the Philippines dealing with Tropical Storm Ketsana and Typhoon Parma, 
as amended.
  The Clerk read the title of the resolution.
  The text of the resolution is as follows:

                              H. Res. 800

       Whereas, on September 26, 2009, Tropical Storm Ketsana made 
     landfall on the Philippines with the heaviest rainfall in 40 
     years equivalent to a typical month of rain during monsoon 
     season;
       Whereas 80 percent of the capital, Manila, was submerged 
     under water as a result;
       Whereas at least 3,000,000 persons have been affected by 
     Tropical Storm Ketsana;
       Whereas more than 135,470 families or 686,000 persons have 
     been forced into evacuation centers;
       Whereas the casualties, as of October 9, 2009, include at 
     least 237 dead, 308 injured, and 37 missing;
       Whereas more than 4,640 houses were damaged or destroyed;
       Whereas Tropical Storm Ketsana has caused at least 
     $4,800,000,000 in damages;
       Whereas following the devastation caused by Tropical Storm 
     Ketsana, Typhoon Parma hit land October 2, 2009, bringing 
     with it more torrential rain causing further flooding, 
     landslides, crop damaged, and killing at least 193 more 
     people;
       Whereas the United States and the Philippines have a unique 
     and enduring relationship that is based on shared history and 
     commitment to democratic principles, as well as on strong 
     economic ties;
       Whereas the historical and cultural links between the 
     Philippines and the United States remain important; and
       Whereas the Filipino American community is the second 
     largest Asian-American group in the United States with a 
     population of approximately 3,100,000: Now, therefore, be it
       Resolved, That the House of Representatives--
       (1) mourns the terrible loss of life caused by Tropical 
     Storm Ketsana and Typhoon Parma that occurred on September 
     26, 2009, and October 1, 2009;
       (2) expresses its deepest condolences to the families of 
     the many victims;
       (3) urges President Obama to continue to support the 
     Philippines with emergency relief supplies, logistical, 
     transportation assistance, and financial support; and
       (4) works closely with the Government of the Philippines to 
     improve disaster mitigation techniques and compliance among 
     all key sectors of their societies.

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to the rule, the gentleman from 
American Samoa (Mr. Faleomavega) and the gentlewoman from Florida (Ms. 
Ros-Lehtinen) 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 on 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 rise in strong support of this 
resolution and yield myself such time as I may consume.
  Mr. Speaker, this resolution extends our profound sympathies and 
condolences to the good people of the Philippines for the terrible 
losses they suffered as a result of Tropical Storm Ketsana and Typhoon 
Parma. I would like to thank my good friend and colleague, 
Representative Jackie Speier from California, for her leadership in 
introducing this important legislation.
  On September 26, Typhoon Ketsana brought the heaviest rainfall in 40 
years, leaving 80 percent of Manila under water. The storm killed more 
than 330 people, left nearly 40 missing, forced more than 135,000 
families into evacuation centers, and destroyed or badly damaged nearly 
40,000 houses. Eight days later, Typhoon Parma hit the Philippines, 
causing further destruction in areas that were still saturated by the 
previous storm and resulting in the loss of an additional 28 lives.
  I certainly would like to express my deepest condolences and 
sympathies to the families who lost their loved ones in the storms and 
to those who were injured and displaced from their homes. It is my 
sincere hope that the good people of the Philippines will find strength 
and solace knowing that the world stands by them in these very trying 
times.
  The United States and the Philippines continue to maintain close ties 
based upon historical relations, common interests, and shared values. 
The Filipino American community is the second largest Asian American 
group in the United States, and they make an invaluable contribution to 
our own country here in America.
  This resolution reflects our steadfast commitment to this 
relationship, as well as our strong desire for a speedy recovery of our 
friends in the Philippines who are suffering from the aftermaths of 
these two major natural disasters.
  Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

[[Page H11326]]

  Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, to open the debate on our side of the 
aisle, I am so pleased to yield such time as he may consume to the 
gentleman from California (Mr. Royce), the ranking member on the 
Subcommittee on Terrorism, Nonproliferation, and Trade.
  Mr. ROYCE. I thank the gentlelady for yielding.
  Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of House Resolution 800, expressing 
condolences to the people and Government of the Philippines in the 
aftermath of the devastating storms that struck the Philippines.
  Several weeks ago, Tropical Storm Ketsana and Typhoon Parma inundated 
the Philippines with heavy rains, forcing the evacuation of more than 
half a million people and killing more than 600. Typhoon Parma was 
particularly savage, making landfall twice--which of course complicated 
rescue efforts--and destroying much of the crop in one of the 
Philippines' main rice-producing regions.
  While the loss of life from these storms is tragic, that tragedy is 
compounded by the survivors' loss of livelihood. U.S. troops have been 
quick to respond in the aid efforts, helping in rescue and clean-up 
missions.
  So, again, we express our sincerest condolences to the people of the 
Philippines; and we let them know that their friend, the United States, 
stands with them in solidarity as they begin the process of recovering 
from this tragedy.
  Mr. FALEOMAVAEGA. Mr. Speaker, I yield 4 minutes to the author and 
the sponsor of this important legislation, the gentlewoman from 
California (Ms. Speier).
  Ms. SPEIER. Mr. Speaker, I would like to thank Chairman Berman, 
Ranking Member Ros-Lehtinen, the subcommittee chairman Mr. 
Faleomavaega, and Ranking Member Manzullo for shepherding this 
resolution through the Foreign Affairs Committee so swiftly.
  I also want to single out Chairman Faleomavaega for his exceptional 
leadership representing American Samoa. I am blessed with many Samoan 
friends and constituents in my district, and I am a proud cosponsor of 
the chairman's resolution recognizing the relief efforts in American 
Samoa and Samoa.
  Likewise, I want to commend Congressman Burton for introducing a 
similar resolution recognizing the devastation in Indonesia, of which I 
am also a cosponsor.
  Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of House Resolution 800, which I 
introduced shortly after two successive typhoons hit the Republic of 
the Philippines. Tragically, the situation has worsened since then, and 
the death toll is now estimated at more than 600. In addition, millions 
more are displaced and estimates of damage run well into the billions 
of dollars.
  On September 26, Typhoon Ketsana battered Manila and nearby 
provinces, resulting in at least 337 deaths, 308 injured, and 37 
missing. Then, just one week later, as Filipinos labored around the 
clock on recovery efforts, Typhoon Parma struck Luzon, the heart of the 
Philippine agricultural region which supplies half of the nation's 
supply of rice. Typhoon Parma decimated roads, bridges, entire 
villages, and vast tracts of rice patties waiting to be harvested later 
this month.
  Nearly 200 have perished from this second typhoon, with many still 
missing and countless more families grieving their loved ones. It is 
clear that the people of the Philippines will be profoundly affected by 
these twin tragedies long after the water has receded and the streets 
swept clean of mud and debris. House Resolution 800 recognizes the 
hardship caused by Typhoons Ketsana and Parma and salutes the 
resilience and strength of our friends, the Filipino people.
  My resolution also urges our government to continue providing 
emergency relief, logistical support, and financial assistance, and to 
work with Philippine officials and nongovernment organizations to 
improve disaster preparedness programs to mitigate the heartbreak, 
havoc and loss of life that could be caused by future storms.
  Mr. Speaker, the historical and cultural links between the 
Philippines and the United States run deeper than any flood waters. I 
am honored to represent the largest Filipino American community of any 
district in the continental United States. Nationally, Americans of 
Filipino descent are the second largest population of Asian Americans 
in our country, numbering some 3.1 million Americans.
  I urge my colleagues to support H. Res. 800 to show our friends, the 
good people of the Philippines, that as they stood with us in World War 
II, the American people stand with them during this time of great need.
  Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may 
consume.
  I rise in support of this resolution expressing profound sympathy to 
our good friends and allies, the people of the Philippines, for the 
loss of life and property that they have suffered in the recent storms 
which devastated their country.
  I also wish to express condolences to those among the over-3 million 
members of our Filipino American community who lost loved ones or who 
had family and friends injured in the floods and the landslides.

                              {time}  1300

  Over 600 people are now reported dead, and over 4,000 homes have been 
destroyed. An estimated 400,000 persons in Manila and in its vicinity 
had to flee their homes after 80 percent of the capital was submerged 
by water. The damage is estimated to be almost $5 billion. I was 
pleased to note that the Agency for International Development, AID, has 
allocated $1.8 million in emergency relief funds.
  The ties between the United States and the Philippines are among the 
strongest we have with any Asian country. Our two peoples have stood 
together in war and in peace, with Filipino comrades-in-arms enduring, 
with our own veterans, the siege of Corregidor and the Bataan Death 
March. The Filipino people then fought bravely for over 3 years, 
waiting for General MacArthur to fulfill his pledge to return. More 
recently, Manila has served as a stalwart ally in the war on terrorism 
being waged in southeast Asia.
  So your loss is our loss. When the people in the Philippines mourn, 
we also mourn. As friends and allies, we will continue to stand by you.
  I urge my colleagues to strongly support this resolution.
  I reserve the balance of my time.
  Mr. FALEOMAVAEGA. Mr. Speaker, I do thank the gentlewoman and the 
author of this resolution, Ms. Speier, for her most eloquent statement. 
I thank her also for her offered help concerning what happened in my 
own district in American Samoa.
  At this time, I yield 1 minute to the gentlewoman from California 
(Ms. Chu).
  Ms. CHU. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of House Resolution 
800.
  Tropical Storm Ketsana ravaged the Philippines, dumping more than a 
month's worth of rain in just 12 hours. It was one of the worst storms 
in 40 years, causing landslides and submerging entire towns. Then, not 
even a week later, Typhoon Parma hit the already waterlogged nation, 
leaving as much as 36 inches of rain in some areas and causing 
landslides that imprisoned many residents. With 700 deaths and almost 4 
million people who have lost their homes, it is imperative to make sure 
that the many homeless are provided with shelter.
  I commend all of the relief organizations and nations who sent aid to 
those affected by the disaster. My heart goes out to the Filipino 
community both abroad and here, many of whom live in my district and 
who are so worried about their friends and relatives.
  Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, I have no further requests for time.
  I yield back the balance of my time.
  Mr. FALEOMAVAEGA. Mr. Speaker, at this time, I yield 2 minutes to the 
gentleman from the Northern Mariana Islands (Mr. Sablan).
  Mr. SABLAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of House Resolution 
800, expressing sympathy for the citizens of the Philippines, dealing 
with Tropical Storm Ketsana and Typhoon Parma.
  These natural disasters have laid waste to much of the northern 
Philippines. Thousands of Filipinos have not only suffered the losses 
of their loved ones but of all of their worldly possessions. Images of 
Filipinos carrying their dead and dying out of the wreckage and 
attempting to start life anew have dominated our news coverage in 
recent days.

[[Page H11327]]

  In the Northern Mariana Islands, the disaster is a personal tragedy 
to the one-half of the population who are from the Philippines and who 
are directly impacted by the disasters. These are family; these are 
friends; these are neighbors. Their loss is also our loss.
  Yet there has also been hope. Many local and charitable institutions 
from around the world, including those in the Northern Mariana Islands, 
have stepped up to answer President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo's call for 
help from the international community. I am proud to say that the 
Northern Mariana Islands community has been quick to respond where our 
Governor, our bishop, our people, and many community organizations, 
such as the United Filipino Workers and CREAM, to name a few, have made 
great efforts to assist with the disasters in the Philippines by 
sending both money and other donations to the victims.
  I hope we follow their examples and continue to support the 
Philippines in their time of need.
  Mr. FALEOMAVAEGA. Mr. Speaker, how much time do we have left?
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The gentleman has 12 minutes remaining.
  Mr. FALEOMAVAEGA. Mr. Speaker, at this time, I yield 2 minutes to the 
distinguished gentlewoman from Hawaii (Ms. Hirono).
  Ms. HIRONO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H. Res. 800, 
which expresses the sympathy of the Congress to citizens of the 
Philippines after Tropical Storm Ketsana and Typhoon Parma.
  I would like to thank Congresswoman Jackie Speier for her work on 
this resolution. She has painted a picture of the devastation that is 
very hard to remove from our minds.
  My heart is with those who are lost. It is with their loved ones, and 
with the tens of thousands of survivors who are struggling in the 
aftermath of these cataclysmic events.
  The Filipino community in Hawaii, one of the largest outside of the 
Philippines, has come together out of a sense of damayan, or empathy, 
to help support relief efforts. Since the storms, many families have 
sent balikbayan boxes, or care packages, carrying everything from 
canned food to clothing to their families and friends in the 
Philippines.
  While not an exhaustive list, I would like to recognize the work of 
the following community organizations in Hawaii: the United Filipino 
Council of Hawaii, the Oahu Filipino Community Council, the Filipino 
Community Center, Inc., the Filipino Chamber of Commerce, the Honolulu 
Filipino Jaycees, the Hawaiian Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons, and 
the Kasama Filipino studies club at Leeward Community College.
  The Filipino community, as well as all others in the State of Hawaii, 
have come together to provide what supportive relief we can, and we 
will continue to do so.
  Maraming salamat po. Thank you.
  Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H. 
Res. 800, which expresses sympathy for the citizens of the Philippines 
dealing with Tropical Storm Ketsana and Typhoon Parma. I support this 
resolution because the devastation caused by these two events has 
created tragic and lasting effects that the world should recognize.
  Tropical Storm Ketsana landed on the Philippines on September 26 and 
deluged the islands with the heaviest rainfall in over 40 years. The 
capital city of Manila was 80 percent underwater. Nearly 700,000 people 
have taken refuge in the evacuation shelters. The casualties from 
Tropical Storm Ketsana are listed at 277 dead and dozens more missing. 
All told, over 3 million people in the Philippines were impacted. The 
number of homes destroyed number more than 4,600 and the cost of the 
damage is estimated at $4.8 billion.
  The damage from Tropical Storm Ketsana was an incredible tragedy by 
itself, but the impact was compounded when the Philippines was hit by 
Typhoon Parma less than a week later. On October 2, Parma brought 
intense rain, causing more flooding. The combination of disasters 
caused landslides, ruined crops, and brought more deaths. At least 16 
people died as a result of Typhoon Parma.
  In the week after Parma hit, media reports revealed that the 
Philippines faced other threats caused by these disasters. The flooding 
spread debris across the islands and helped boost the mosquito 
population. The result was a dramatic increase in the prevalence of 
disease and an increased threat to the health of residents of the 
Philippines. It is reported that $128 million worth of crops were 
destroyed, including rice. The loss of those food staples will cause 
the nation to have to import rice to prevent a food shortage. The 
devastation will cause lasting economic damage, which may especially 
hurt the poor who are not able to return to their jobs and garner 
wages.
  My home city of Houston, Texas is home to one of the largest Filipino 
communities in the United States. As news came in of the disasters, my 
constituents waited nervously to hear of the fate of loved ones in the 
Philippines. My heart goes out to those families who have been touched 
by the devastation caused by these natural disasters.
  In the days before Tropical Storm Ketsana made landfall, I had the 
pleasure of meeting with Congressman Hermilando Mandanas of the 
Philippines House of Representatives. A sense of optimism for the 
future of the Philippines pervaded that meeting. It is my sincere hope 
that in the months after the period of mourning and the reconstruction 
begins, that the people of the Philippines are able to regain their 
spirit. The future of the Philippines is bright and it is my wish that 
the sadness and sense of loss caused by Tropical Storm Ketsana and 
Typhoon Parma do not scar the Philippines.
  Mr. ABERCROMBIE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to support H. Res. 800 and 
extend my sympathies for the citizens of the Philippines dealing with 
Tropical Storm Ketsana and Typhoon Parma.
  With a large Filipino community in Hawaii, and the historical and 
cultural ties that bind our two countries, the impact of these natural 
disasters hits close to home. I want to express my sincere condolences 
to those who have experienced losses in their families and to the many 
thousands more who are displaced and still struggling with this 
tragedy. I join my colleagues in our commitment to the relief efforts 
in the Philippines and in our continued support to the families of the 
many victims.
  U.S. military forces and civilian agencies are supporting local 
Philippine efforts by distributing relief supplies and assisting in 
rescuing victims from inundated areas of Manila. As part of this 
effort, the U.S. Agency for International Development has so far 
allocated $1.8 million to respond to the disaster. Our Hawaiian ohana 
stands ready to further assist our friends in the Philippines.
  I urge my colleagues to rise in support of this legislation.
  Mr. BILBRAY. Mr. Speaker, as cochairman of the U.S.-Philippine 
Friendship Caucus, I wish to offer my sincere condolences to the 
citizens of the Philippines that have suffered so much due to the 
devastation left by Tropical Storms Ketsana and Parma. Since September 
26, 2009, the flooding that has occurred due to record amounts of 
rainfall has forced the evacuation of hundreds of thousands of people, 
destroyed over 4,000 homes and left more than 700 people dead.
  This is a tragic event that reminds us of the fragility of human life 
when confronted by the forces of Mother Nature. Sadly, the deadly 
results of Tropical Storms Ketsana and Parma continue to do damage and 
wreak havoc on the health and well being of the citizens of the 
Philippines. As Congress offers its condolences, our friends in the 
Philippines try to restore order to their country.
  As an American, I am proud that more than 700 United States Marines 
and sailors are on the ground in the Philippines providing food and 
clean drinking water directly to her citizens. With that said, I want 
to reaffirm the United States commitment to doing all we can to help 
our friends in the Pacific. Our thoughts and prayers are with the 
Filipino people and I urge my colleagues to support the underlying 
resolution.
  Ms. BORDALLO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of House 
Resolution 800, legislation introduced by my colleague, Congresswoman 
Jackie Speier of California. This resolution expresses sympathy for the 
citizens of the Philippines as they recover from Tropical Storm Ketsana 
and Typhoon Parma.
  Tropical Storm Ketsana and Typhoon Parma caused widespread landslides 
and flooding in the Philippines. More than 600 Filipinos have lost 
their lives due to these storms, and I offer my sincere condolences to 
their families and friends. H. Res. 800 encourages the U.S. government 
to work closely with the Philippine government to improve disaster 
response and also urges President Obama to continue his support of 
disaster relief efforts in the Philippines.
  Just last week, a 22-member team from the Guam National Guard flew to 
the Philippines to provide medical relief and to support the armed 
forces of the Philippines as they continue the recovery process. Many 
of my constituents have family members, who were affected by this 
storm, and I commend the Filipino community of Guam, who were the first 
to mobilize our larger Guam community to quickly come together to 
collect relief items and provide financial assistance to those affected 
by this natural disaster.

[[Page H11328]]

  I thank my colleague, Congresswoman Speier, for introducing this 
legislation, and I urge my colleagues to support H. Res. 800.
  Mr. FALEOMAVAEGA. Mr. Speaker, I have no further speakers at this 
time.
  I 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. 800, 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, I object to the vote on the ground 
that a quorum is not present and make the point of order that a quorum 
is not present.
  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.
  The point of no quorum is considered withdrawn.

                          ____________________