[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 153 (Wednesday, October 21, 2009)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2592]
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

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                          HON. DORIS O. MATSUI

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, October 14, 2009

  Ms. MATSUI. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to the hundreds 
of Samoans and Filipinos who tragically lost their lives in the natural 
disasters that ravaged the islands of the South Pacific and Southeast 
Asia. I also recognize the incredible resolve of the survivors of these 
catastrophes as they begin to rebuild their communities.
  We are still assessing the total devastation caused by Tropical Storm 
Ketsana and Typhoon Parma in the Philippines, and by the earthquakes 
and tsunamis in American Samoa, Samoa, and Tonga. These natural 
disasters have claimed hundreds of lives, damaged or destroyed 
thousands of homes, and have left countless people without basic 
necessities, such as clean water, adequate food, and essential health 
care.
  Mr. Speaker, in the wake of these tragedies, we are reminded of the 
important role our national service programs and volunteers play in 
repairing the homes, neighborhoods, and lives of those who have fallen 
victim to natural disasters. In response to this most recent 
catastrophe, AmeriCorps National Civilian Community Corps, NCCC, Team 
Leaders from my hometown of Sacramento traveled to American Samoa to 
manage the immediate assistance provided to those affected through the 
American Red Cross intake center, located in Pago Pago.
  As Co-Chair of the National Service Caucus, I have seen first-hand 
the commitment these volunteers have made to the betterment of society. 
We honor these dedicated men and women who continuously rush to the 
service of those in need, and recognize the great value of our national 
service programs in disaster relief.
  Mr. Speaker, we mourn the losses suffered by our neighbors in the 
South Pacific and Southeast Asia, and express our steadfast support of 
their efforts to rebuild devastated communities and reestablish their 
way of life. It is my hope that my colleagues will join me in honoring 
the commitment of volunteers who make this recovery period possible, as 
they provide assistance to those currently facing incredible hardships.

                          ____________________