[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 125 (Thursday, September 16, 2010)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1666]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




        EXPRESSING CONDOLENCES TO PAKISTANI PEOPLE AFTER FLOODS

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                        HON. MICHAEL E. McMAHON

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                     Wednesday, September 15, 2010

  Mr. McMAHON. Madam Speaker, thank you Chairman Berman for your 
leadership and for encouraging our government to help the people of 
Pakistan at this critical time.
  Pakistan is suffering one of the worst natural disasters in recent 
history. The situation in Pakistan is dire. The United Nations 
estimates that more than 20 million Pakistanis have been displaced by 
the flooding, exceeding the combined total of individuals impacted by 
the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami, the 2007 Myanmar Cyclone and the 2010 
Haiti earthquake.
  The U.S. Agency for International Development's, USAID joint endeavor 
with the U.S. military in Pakistan has already resulted in the 
evacuation of more than 10,000 people and the delivery of more than 2.7 
billion pounds of relief supplies.
  Like the tsunami that wreaked havoc upon northern Indonesia in 2004, 
the Pakistani floods threaten to propel Pakistan, a key ally, away from 
the successful economic progress and growth that it has made over the 
last decade.
  This outcome would inevitably cost Pakistan thousands of more 
innocent lives and years worth of development and sustainability, 
further increasing both the humanitarian crisis domestically and the 
security threat worldwide.
  Just two weeks ago, I personally wrote to Administrator Shah of USAID 
and commended his decision to use a portion of the Enhanced Partnership 
with Pakistan funding towards relief aid. As a member of the House 
Foreign Affairs Committee, I know how important a stable Pakistan is to 
global stability. Redirecting more funds provided through the Enhanced 
Partnership with Pakistan Act will demonstrate to our Pakistani 
partners that the United States is truly committed and will not abandon 
Pakistan in her time of need.
  Pakistanis must know that we are in this for the long haul. Our 
dedication is not a matter of encroaching on Pakistani autonomy or 
manipulating a nation's internal politics.
  The United States seeks to renew its commitment to the people of 
Pakistan through this tragedy and combat those who dare to take 
advantage of the suffering of innocent Pakistanis to further their 
radical beliefs.
  On behalf of my over 30,000 Pakistani-American constituents, I urge 
this body to support this measure and its message, as well.

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