[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 124 (Wednesday, September 15, 2010)]
[House]
[Pages H6709-H6713]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




        EXPRESSING CONDOLENCES TO PAKISTANI PEOPLE AFTER FLOODS

  Mr. BARROW. Madam Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to 
the resolution (H. Res. 1613) expressing condolences to and solidarity 
with the people of Pakistan in the aftermath of the devastating floods 
that began on July 22, 2010, as amended.
  The Clerk read the title of the resolution.
  The text of the resolution is as follows:

                              H. Res. 1613

       Whereas heavy rainfall that began on July 22, 2010, and 
     subsequent flooding throughout Pakistan have caused a 
     humanitarian crisis of unprecedented proportions that has 
     affected over 20,000,000 people, killing more than 1,750, 
     injuring over 2,700, damaging or destroying upwards of 
     1,800,000 houses, and displacing millions of men, women, and 
     children;
       Whereas the devastation wrought by the floods has been 
     catastrophic, submerging one-fifth of the country and 
     destroying critical infrastructure, farms, schools, homes, 
     and businesses, leaving an estimated 800,000 Pakistanis 
     stranded and cut off from all help;
       Whereas according to the Government of Pakistan, the floods 
     have affected 30 percent of all agricultural land and could 
     lower by one-half Pakistan's economic growth rate for the 
     current fiscal year, further destabilizing a nation already 
     beset by multiple daunting challenges;
       Whereas the emergency continues to unfold in Sindh 
     Province, where just under 7,000,000 people have already been 
     affected, of whom 1,300,000 are in government relief camps, 
     with new evacuation orders recently having been issued;
       Whereas the danger of the floods extends beyond the current 
     humanitarian crisis, with the potential to create significant 
     instability in Pakistan;
       Whereas the Pakistani Army, Navy, and Frontier Corps have 
     sent humanitarian supplies and medical teams to flood-hit 
     areas, while the National and Provincial Disaster Management 
     Authorities have coordinated international relief activities;
       Whereas the United States has responded to the crisis with 
     relief and recovery funds, food and medical supplies, and 
     logistical support that account for more than 20 percent of 
     total international humanitarian contributions and 
     commitments;
       Whereas the United States Agency for International 
     Development (USAID), through its Office of U.S. Foreign 
     Disaster Assistance (OFDA), has supported 26 mobile medical 
     teams, delivered more than 8,000 rolls of plastic sheeting to 
     provide temporary shelter for approximately 247,000 people, 
     and dispatched 13 mobile water treatment units to support the 
     Government of Pakistan's flood relief effort, which have 
     produced more than 12,000,000 liters of clean water;
       Whereas USAID's Office of Food for Peace (FFP) has provided 
     direct support for the United Nations World Food Program's 
     food ration distributions, helping to reach approximately 
     3,000,000 Pakistanis with more than 48,000 metric tons of 
     food;
       Whereas the United States Department of Defense has 
     dispatched 23 military helicopters and four C-130 aircraft to 
     deliver more than 5,000,000 pounds of relief supplies and has 
     rescued more than 13,000 flood-affected individuals;
       Whereas the United States has provided civilian and 
     military in-kind assistance in the form of halal meals, 
     prefabricated steel bridges, and other infrastructure 
     support;
       Whereas the United States is working in close partnership 
     with United Nations-affiliated and international humanitarian 
     organizations to support relief, recovery, and 
     reconstruction;
       Whereas the Pakistani-American community has demonstrated 
     strong leadership in rallying support for flood victims, 
     directing public attention to the crisis, and disseminating 
     information about the response;
       Whereas scores of United States private and voluntary 
     organizations have mobilized quickly to respond to the crisis 
     in Pakistan with both emergency relief and longer term 
     development assistance, raising over $11,000,000 in private 
     donations for assessing emergency needs, distributing water, 
     food, and relief items, and providing medical care and 
     temporary shelter;
       Whereas the success of United States Government 
     humanitarian efforts depends heavily on the skills, 
     expertise, and field presence of international and 
     nongovernmental organizations;

[[Page H6710]]

       Whereas United States businesses have contributed more than 
     $8,000,000 in humanitarian assistance for Pakistani flood 
     victims;
       Whereas the immediate and swift reaction of United States 
     military personnel, diplomats, and development experts has 
     saved countless lives and encouraged a generous international 
     response;
       Whereas the people of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan and 
     the United States share a long history of friendship, 
     economic cooperation, and enduring family ties, and the 
     interests of both nations are well served by strengthening 
     and deepening the bilateral relationship;
       Whereas the United States Congress adopted, and the 
     President signed into law, the Enhanced Partnership with 
     Pakistan Act of 2009, which authorizes democratic, economic, 
     development, and security assistance over 5 years to help the 
     Pakistani people achieve their aspirations for a democratic, 
     stable, and prosperous society; and
       Whereas the United States remains committed to helping the 
     resilient and resourceful people of Pakistan surmount and 
     recover from this natural disaster: Now, therefore, be it
       Resolved, That the House of Representatives--
       (1) mourns the significant loss of life, as well as the 
     physical damage, caused by the flooding in Pakistan;
       (2) expresses its deepest condolences and sympathy to the 
     families of the victims of the floods, and its solidarity 
     with the millions of affected Pakistanis;
       (3) recognizes that Pakistan is and remains a close ally 
     and friend of the United States;
       (4) recognizes that an effective and accountable government 
     in Pakistan is essential for the country's long-term recovery 
     and stability;
       (5) urges the United States Administration and the 
     international community, including private citizens and 
     foreign governments, to continue providing assistance to help 
     the people of Pakistan and to help strengthen and support the 
     capacity of the Government of Pakistan to meet the needs of 
     its people;
       (6) supports the use of funds authorized by the Enhanced 
     Partnership with Pakistan Act of 2009 for the purposes of 
     providing long-term recovery and rehabilitation for flood-
     affected areas and populations;
       (7) urges a reexamination of priorities for spending the 
     funds authorized by the Enhanced Partnership with Pakistan 
     Act of 2009, with a view toward ensuring that the needs of 
     the Pakistani people are appropriately addressed in the 
     aftermath of the disaster;
       (8) commends the relief and recovery actions, still 
     underway, by the United States military, the Department of 
     State, and USAID to assist the people of Pakistan during this 
     critical period;
       (9) commends the extraordinary humanitarian efforts and 
     sustained commitment to helping the people of Pakistan by 
     international and nongovernmental organizations;
       (10) recognizes the contributions of the Pakistani-American 
     community and United States businesses to relief and recovery 
     efforts in Pakistan; and
       (11) reaffirms the commitment of the people of the United 
     States to partner with the people of Pakistan to respond to 
     the immediate crisis and build the foundations for a 
     successful and lasting recovery.

                              {time}  1240

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to the rule, the gentleman from 
Georgia (Mr. Barrow) and the gentleman from Utah (Mr. Chaffetz) each 
will control 20 minutes.
  The Chair recognizes the gentleman from Georgia.


                             General Leave

  Mr. BARROW. Madam 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 Georgia?
  There was no objection.
  Mr. BARROW. Madam Speaker, I rise in strong support of this 
resolution, and I yield myself such time as I may consume.
  On July 22, 2010, Pakistan began to experience devastating flooding, 
which in the subsequent days and weeks has led to a severe humanitarian 
crisis. Thus far, over 20 million Pakistanis have been affected. The 
flooding has resulted in the deaths of over 1,750 people, injured 
another 2,700, and left 800,000 cut off from assistance. The floods 
have submerged one-fifth of the country and damaged or destroyed more 
than 1.8 million homes, along with countless schools, farms, and 
businesses.
  The Government of Pakistan says that the flooding has affected 30 
percent of all agricultural land and could reduce by up to one-half 
Pakistan's economic growth rate for the current fiscal year, further 
destabilizing a nation already beset by daunting economic challenges.
  The United States has responded to the crisis with over $250 million 
in relief and recovery funds, more than 20 percent of the total 
international humanitarian contribution, in the form of relief and 
recovery funds, food and medical supplies, and logistical support. 
Governments and humanitarian aid agencies from around the world have 
mobilized to provide much needed assistance to the relief and recovery 
efforts. We hope that all of the committed friends of Pakistan are able 
to galvanize additional support and funding for the recovery and 
subsequent reconstruction efforts.
  In addition to recognizing the devastating impact of the floods, this 
resolution emphasizes the importance of a robust and long-term 
strategic partisanship between the United States and Pakistan, the 
enduring people-to-people and governmental ties between our two 
countries, and our long-standing support for a democratic, stable, and 
prosperous Pakistan.
  Madam Speaker, I urge all my colleagues to support this bipartisan 
resolution.
  I reserve the balance of my time.
  Mr. CHAFFETZ. Madam Speaker, I rise in support of this timely 
resolution, and I yield myself such time as I may consume.
  Madam Speaker, the raging floodwaters that have battered much of 
Pakistan since late July are at long last finally beginning to recede. 
But the challenges are no less today than they were earlier this 
summer. Indeed, if anything, they may be even greater as Pakistan and 
its friends abroad begin to assess the full magnitude of the economic 
and human costs of this devastating calamity. The heavy monsoon floods 
that struck the Indus River and its tributaries have caused enormous 
damage to the economy and the people of Pakistan.
  The numbers are staggering. Nearly 20 million people have been 
affected by the floods, including millions of men, women, and children 
who have been physically displaced from their homes destroyed by the 
ravages of the rampaging waters. As one Pakistani commentator has 
noted, ``In the mounting humanitarian disaster, survivors have been 
engaged in a desperate daily struggle for food and shelter as well as a 
battle against deadly disease.''
  Pakistan's already shaky economy has been dealt a body blow. Growth 
is now expected to fall by half, with widespread losses to agriculture 
and livestock. Meanwhile, the floods have also wreaked havoc on 
Pakistan's public infrastructure, with bridges and roads cut off, power 
stations shut down, and gas and petroleum supplies suspended. In this 
dire circumstance, the United States has responded generously and with 
great dispatch to assist the people of Pakistan in their hour of need. 
The executive branch has mobilized expertise and resources at the 
Departments of State, Defense, and USAID, while the private sector, 
including Pakistani-Americans, religious communities, and nongovernment 
organizations have provided impressive financial and on-the-ground 
assistance.
  Meanwhile, new and formidable challenges will present themselves to 
Islamabad and its friends abroad once the full extent of Pakistan's 
rehabilitation and reconstruction needs become known.
  Madam Speaker, the enormity of this tragedy for the Pakistani people 
is grounds enough to merit a robust and compassionate response by the 
United States of America and the people. Our hearts go out to the 
millions of victims whose lives have been literally uprooted by the 
havoc that accompanied this unprecedented flooding.
  At the same time, we need to be mindful that Pakistan is also a close 
friend and ally. It plays a large role in the United States' strategic 
policy towards Afghanistan and the broader reaches of South and Central 
Asia. It is a country that remains engaged in a deadly struggle against 
violent extremists seeking to destabilize its already fractured 
society. It is a nuclear weapons state in which the maintenance of 
domestic stability and the success of democratic governance bear 
directly on our own homeland security. To be sure, this is an 
enormously complex relationship.
  Madam Speaker, in this context it is clear that the United States 
needs to

[[Page H6711]]

remain deeply engaged with Pakistan and the Pakistani people as they 
recover from the ravages of this crisis, including through continued 
humanitarian aid and related forms of effective, transparent, and 
targeted assistance. I therefore support the passage of this 
resolution, and I urge my colleagues to get behind this resolution.
  I reserve the balance of my time.
  Mr. BARROW. Madam Speaker, I yield the balance of my time to the 
gentlewoman from Texas (Ms. Jackson Lee), and I ask unanimous consent 
that she be allowed to control that time.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there objection to the request of the 
gentleman from Georgia?
  There was no objection.
  Ms. JACKSON LEE of Texas. Let me thank the distinguished gentleman 
from Georgia, and let me thank him very much for his very important 
statement on this important resolution. And as well I would like to 
thank the chairman of our full committee, Mr. Berman, and the ranking 
member of our full committee, Ms. Ros-Lehtinen, and the manager of this 
legislation for the minority for the words that I believe are 
enormously important.
  Let me indicate to my colleagues that this may be the most important, 
or one of the most important, and devastating humanitarian crises that 
we have faced over the time frame that we have been in Congress. And 
let me say this. We have gone through Hurricanes Katrina and Rita. As I 
stand here today, there are a number of hurricanes that are in the gulf 
region. We add our sympathy to the people in California experiencing an 
enormous and terrible explosion. To my friend from Utah, he knows that 
those dear friends have experienced their own share of concerns 
certainly with natural disasters. So we don't take anything away from 
the suffering of the American people or others. Many of us remember the 
tsunami, for all of our communities were engaged in trying to get our 
hands around that natural disaster and to be of help.
  But as many have expressed as they have come back to the United 
States from Pakistan, Madam Speaker, I can assure you that this looms 
so large that it is without description. The reason is because we know 
that there was rain, we know that there was a flood, or flooding, but 
we probably are not aware that the water has remained in place in so 
much and so many areas of Pakistan that it equals the size of States 
like Rhode Island. So we have people who cannot return even to see what 
remains or what losses they have experienced, or to even begin to 
recover and to rebuild.
  I would encourage my colleagues to see the extent of that damage by 
way of a presentation that is being made today, the Pakistan Flood 
Disaster Photo Exhibit, from which I will just share one picture. And 
you can go to the Rayburn Foyer all day today and see the depth of the 
devastation.
  So I want to thank you, Madam Speaker, as I rise today in strong 
support of H. Res. 1613, expressing condolences to, and solidarity 
with, the people of Pakistan in the aftermath of the devastating floods 
that began on July 22, 2010. I would like to thank my colleague, 
Chairman Berman, for introducing this important and timely resolution, 
which I offer and know that many have cosponsored, including myself.
  On July 22, Pakistan experienced one of the heaviest monsoon rains in 
at least 80 years in the region. For those who have been to Islamabad, 
Karachi, Lahore, Peshawar, we understand the terrain of that Nation and 
realize that it is again unspeakable in its description. The massive 
amount of rain triggered both flash floods and river flooding 
throughout Pakistan, leading to widespread displacement, infrastructure 
damage, and contamination of water sources.
  Madam Speaker, I have spoken about the value of clean water for many 
years as a member of the Foreign Affairs Committee, but as well in 
general in this Congress. And I will tell you that as Pakistani 
Americans have come to my office, they have said the most deadly aspect 
of this flood is for mothers and babies and children and families not 
to be able to have clean water. And therefore disease being spread 
through lack of clean water, seeing malnourished children, but children 
who are likewise devastated by not having water suffering from 
infection and disease.
  The flooding has caused a humanitarian crisis of unprecedented 
proportions that has affected over 20 million people, which aid 
agencies assert has a greater human impact than Pakistan's earthquake 
in 2005, the Indian Ocean tsunami in 2004, and the recent earthquake in 
Haiti combined.

                              {time}  1250

  More than 1,750 people have been killed; 2,700 have been injured; and 
millions of men and women and children are displaced. Let me be very 
clear: we do not do one-upsmanship in disasters. We do not diminish 
Haiti; we do not diminish the tsunami or the earthquake. What we are 
saying is that the disaster we speak of today is ongoing, as there are 
in other places around the world, but ongoing to the extent that people 
who want to help, to come in and help and be part of recovery, cannot 
get to where they need to be.
  Moreover, flooding is expected to intensify as rains continue. In the 
Sindh and Punjab provinces, for example, earlier rainfall in the north 
has led to rising levels in the Indus River and is expected to coincide 
with increased rainfall.
  The flood disaster, which started 2 months ago as a result of heavy 
monsoon rain, has left more than 20 million people suffering in the 
ravaged conditions. One-fifth of Pakistan is submerged in water, 
destroying critical infrastructure, schools, homes, hospitals, business 
and farms.
  My heartfelt condolences go out to the families in Pakistan and those 
individuals here in the United States who have loved ones in the 
affected areas. I am urging our government to offer resources and 
expertise, including assistance and recovery efforts, to help our 
friends in Pakistan make it through this tragic episode.
  We are now discussing how we provide new technology to decontaminate 
the water, and I hope that the State Department will receive the 
information that my office has to work on this new technology and 
literally carry it over to be able to decontaminate this water and to 
provide clean water to the refugee camps but also to those who may have 
been able to make it close to where their home was.
  I have been working with the State Department to increase 
humanitarian relief funds for Pakistan and have asked for additional 
funds that have already been authorized for Pakistan to be reprogrammed 
in order to bolster relief and reconstruction efforts.
  I again want to mention the Foreign Affairs Committee. I want to 
again mention our chairman and ranking member who have never stepped 
away from the international devastation that so many of our friends 
experience. The Foreign Affairs Committee has stood front and center to 
work with the Senate and work with the administration to ensure that 
the faith and the friendship of the United States is front and center 
on these terrible disasters. I thank the committee again.
  I also wrote a letter to President Obama with Representative Dan 
Burton, my fellow cochair of the Congressional Pakistan Caucus, 
expressing our deep concern for the humanitarian tragedy in Pakistan 
and asking them to expedite the flow of U.S. aid, supplies and workers 
in the region.
  I would like to take this opportunity to encourage the President to 
aid Pakistan and to add Pakistan to his trip to South Asia, which is 
planned for the fall, and hope that we could join with him.
  Madam Speaker, the key is how do we find solutions, and I would ask 
that we as Americans not be defined, as small news postscripts suggest, 
that we are not contributing to the aid of the Pakistani people. First 
of all, we are moving emergency dollars, but I also hope that we can 
draw upon Americans' individual caring and humanitarian commitment so 
that we can send a mercy plane stocked with medicine and baby formula 
and clothing for children and school supplies in short order to this 
devastated region.
  In Houston, a number of my constituents met as a part of the Pakistan 
Caucus to commit themselves to this great humanitarian effort, and we 
would call upon all who can hear my voice to participate in helping us 
pursue that. This

[[Page H6712]]

resolution is a very important statement that says to the American 
people and to our colleagues that we are supporting the people of 
Pakistan who need our help.
  I do again want to acknowledge the partnership of the Congressional 
Pakistan Caucus and the Pakistani American Leadership Center that is 
bringing these Pakistan relief workers here to discuss the devastating 
conditions in Pakistan.
  I also want to mention Ambassador Anne Patterson, who is still in 
Pakistan, who has been a stalwart of representation of the United 
States, who has been through the earthquake, who has been through the 
tragedy of the loss of Benazir Bhutto and now this unspeakable tragedy 
of flooding and has maintained the leadership of the United States.
  I am very glad that we have this resolution on the floor of the 
House. I want to thank my friend and colleague who likewise has given a 
very important statement, as well as the gentleman from Georgia, to 
acknowledge this resolution to express our commitment to the people of 
Pakistan.
  I look forward to visiting Pakistan to see firsthand the extent of 
the devastation and to assess and assist in the relief efforts. With 
the need for reconstruction and recovery efforts growing, I believe it 
is vital that we lead a congressional humanitarian mission to Pakistan, 
which will signal to those people that the friendship between the 
United States and Pakistan remains unbroken as we fight the war on 
terror and continue to hope to improve the lives of the men, women and 
children of this great nation.
  Madam Speaker, I rise today in strong support of H. Res. 1613, 
``Expressing condolences to and solidarity with the people of Pakistan 
in the aftermath of the devastating floods that began on July 22, 
2010.'' I would like to thank my colleague, Chairman Berman, for 
introducing this important and timely resolution.
  On July 22, 2010, Pakistan experienced one of the heaviest monsoon 
rains in at least 80 years in the region. The massive amount of rain 
triggered both flash floods and river flooding throughout Pakistan, 
leading to widespread displacement, infrastructure damage and 
contamination of water sources. The flooding has caused a humanitarian 
crisis of unprecedented proportions that has affected over 20 million 
people, which aid agencies assert is a greater human impact than 
Pakistan's earthquake in 2005, the Indian Ocean tsunami of 2004, and 
the recent earthquake in Haiti combined. More than 1,750 people have 
been killed, 2,700 have been injured, and millions of men, women, and 
children are displaced. Moreover, the flooding is expected to intensify 
as rains continue. In Sindh and Punjab provinces, for example, earlier 
rainfall in the north has led to rising water levels in the Indus River 
and is expected to coincide with increased rainfall.
  The flood disaster, which started two months ago as a result of heavy 
monsoon rain, has left more than 20 million people suffering in ravaged 
conditions. One fifth of Pakistan is submerged in water, destroying 
critical infrastructure, schools, homes, hospitals, businesses, and 
farms. My heartfelt condolences go out to the families in Pakistan and 
those individuals here in the United States who have loved ones in the 
affected areas. I am urging our government to offer any resources and 
expertise, including assistance with recovery efforts, to help our 
friends in Pakistan make it through this tragic episode. I have been 
working with the State Department to increase humanitarian relief funds 
for Pakistan and have asked for additional funds that have already been 
authorized for Pakistan to be reprogrammed in order to bolster relief 
and reconstruction efforts. I also wrote a letter to President Obama 
with Rep. Dan Burton, my fellow Co-Chair of the Congressional Pakistan 
Caucus, expressing our deep concern for the humanitarian tragedy in 
Pakistan and asking him to expedite the flow of U.S. aid, supplies, and 
workers into the region.
  I would also like to take this opportunity to encourage President 
Obama to add Pakistan to his trip to South Asia, which is planned for 
this fall. In light of the recent devastation affecting Pakistan and 
our important alliance with Pakistan in our anti-terrorism efforts in 
both Pakistan and Afghanistan, I think President Obama's visit 
would communicate to both the people and government of Pakistan the 
extent of our national commitment to their welfare.

  Madam Speaker, the scale of the devastation is so large that it will 
take months before we know the actual death toll and be able to assess 
the damage of the flood. Hospitals are overwhelmed with the injured and 
thousands of people are stuck on their rooftops and in higher areas as 
they try to escape rushing floodwaters. Thousands of victims require 
additional shelter with the cold weather approaching; falling 
temperatures, food shortages, and water-borne diseases are making it 
necessary for Pakistan to shelter, cloth, and feed the millions of 
displaced and homeless before freezing temperatures arrive.
  As Co-Chair of the Congressional Pakistan Caucus, I am extremely 
concerned with the security of the region. It is critical that the 
United States offer the economic and humanitarian assistance necessary 
for Pakistan in its recovery efforts. In a region of political and 
religious turmoil, the United States must do all it can in order for 
Pakistan's fragile democracy to survive and thrive.
  Furthermore, as Co-Chair of the Pakistani Caucus, I have taken the 
initiative to work with several Pakistani organizations and members of 
the Pakistan community in Houston and throughout the United States to 
increase awareness and coordinate relief efforts in Pakistan. I have 
organized meetings and briefings in both Houston and Washington, D.C. 
as well. This includes a photo exhibit that is occurring in the Rayburn 
House Office Building foyer today that is being hosted by the 
Congressional Pakistan Caucus and the Pakistani American Leadership 
Center (PAL-C) illustrating the extent of the damage caused by the 
floods in Pakistan. My commitment to the people of Pakistan is 
unwavering, and I look forward to visiting Pakistan soon to see 
firsthand the extent of the devastation and to assess and assist in the 
relief efforts. With the need for reconstruction and recovery efforts 
growing, I believe it is vital to lead a Congressional humanitarian 
mission to Pakistan, which will signal to the people and the nation of 
Pakistan the extent of our commitment to addressing the challenges they 
face in the recovery efforts.

                                Congress of the United States,

                                Washington, DC, September 8, 2010.
     Hon. Barack Obama,
     President of the United States of America, The White House, 
         Washington, DC.
       Dear Mr. President: As co-chairs of the Congressional 
     Pakistan Caucus we remain deeply concerned about the 
     humanitarian tragedy unfolding in Pakistan due to the recent 
     historic floods. We respectfully ask you to do everything 
     possible within your authority to help expedite the flow of 
     U.S. and international aid supplies and workers into the 
     region.
       By all accounts, the flooding in Pakistan has now affected 
     more than 20 million people, which aid agencies say is a 
     greater human impact than Pakistan's earthquake in 2005, the 
     Indian Ocean tsunami of 2004, and the recent earthquake in 
     Haiti combined. Sadly, despite the commendable generosity of 
     the American people and the international community to date, 
     the situation appears to remain perilous. Reports indicate 
     that waterborne disease is rapidly spreading among tens of 
     thousands of flood victims. In addition, food shortages are 
     becoming a major concern as the market prices of essential 
     foods have skyrocketed after billions of dollars worth of 
     crops were destroyed by the flood waters.
       We commend the United States Agency for International 
     Development (USAID) for immediately undertaking an aid 
     mission to the region; however, we concur with John Holmes, 
     the UN Undersecretary General for Humanitarian Affairs' 
     opinion that ``these unprecedented floods pose unprecedented 
     logistical challenges, and this requires an extraordinary 
     effort by the international community.'' The United States 
     has an historic opportunity to reshape America's image in 
     Pakistan by taking the lead in aggressively addressing 
     Pakistan's immediate relief needs as well as forging 
     international consensus to address Pakistan's longer-term 
     reconstruction needs. For example, last year Congress 
     authorized $7.5 billion in civilian aid to Pakistan; of which 
     approximately $1 billion was set aside for democracy 
     building. While we strongly support efforts to strengthen 
     Pakistan's democratic institutions, relief and rehabilitation 
     of the floods victims is a more pressing need. Reprogramming 
     those funds for humanitarian relief would immediately 
     quadruple U.S. aid funds--hopefully spurring other nations to 
     follow suit--and it would do so at no additional cost to the 
     U.S. taxpayer.
       We also respectfully urge you to give all due consideration 
     to using the power of the Presidency's bully pulpit to 
     highlight the plight of Pakistanis to the U.S media and 
     encourage Americans to consider donating to the relief 
     effort. The American people are extremely generous. Time and 
     time again, whenever they have been asked, the American 
     people have rallied to help people around the world. We are 
     confident that the American people will once again 
     demonstrate their generosity by donating to the Pakistani 
     relief efforts if they are made more aware of the tragedy; 
     and a statement from the White House is certain to garner 
     such media attention. To that end, we respectfully ask you to 
     consider making a public appeal to the American public on 
     behalf of the people of Pakistan.
       Mr. President, the global fight against extremists who 
     exploit the religion of Islam is not only a military struggle 
     but a struggle to win the hearts and minds of the Muslim 
     world; particularly the young people. We

[[Page H6713]]

     know that the U.S. response to the 2005 earthquake in 
     Pakistan led to a short-term positive increase in public 
     opinion of the United States in Pakistan. A significant and 
     long-term commitment by the United States to help Pakistan 
     recover from these devastating floods could have an even more 
     profound affect. If we do not seize this opportunity we 
     significantly increase the chances that Pakistan may fall 
     under the influence of extremist elements; that would be 
     disastrous for our future security. We must address the human 
     tragedy unfolding in Pakistan now before it is too late. So 
     once again, we respectfully ask you to everything possible 
     within your authority to help expedite the flow of U.S. and 
     international aide supplies and workers into the region.
       We thank you for giving your personal time and attention to 
     this critically important matter.
           Sincerely,
     Dan Burton,
       Member of Congress.
     Sheila Jackson Lee,
       Member of Congress.

  I reserve the balance of my time.
  Mr. CHAFFETZ. Madam Speaker, we support the passage of this 
resolution. Our hearts and prayers go out to the people of Pakistan who 
are dealing with untold tragedies and difficult situations. I urge 
passage of this resolution.
  I yield back the balance of my time.
  Ms. JACKSON LEE of Texas. Madam Speaker, seeing that we have no other 
speakers, let me simply conclude by thanking my distinguished friend 
from Utah. We worked together on other issues.
  If I might take a point of personal privilege, I have never doubted 
his commitment when we speak of these humanitarian issues, and I want 
to thank you for that. As well, I want to thank Mr. Barrow for his 
leadership on the issue and hope that he will join us as we work on 
these devastating conditions in Pakistan.
  I ask my colleagues to support this very important legislation.
  I yield back the balance of my time.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The question is on the motion offered by the 
gentleman from Georgia (Mr. Barrow) that the House suspend the rules 
and agree to the resolution, H. Res. 1613, 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.
  Ms. JACKSON LEE of Texas. Madam 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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