[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 125 (Thursday, September 16, 2010)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1671]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




        EXPRESSING CONDOLENCES TO PAKISTANI PEOPLE AFTER FLOODS

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                            HON. DAN BURTON

                               of indiana

                    in the house of representatives

                     Wednesday, September 15, 2010

  Mr. BURTON of Indiana. Madam Speaker, as a co-chair of the 
Congressional Pakistan Caucus and co-sponsor, I rise in strong support 
of House Resolution 1613. I am deeply concerned about the humanitarian 
tragedy unfolding in Pakistan due to the recent historic floods and 
hope that this resolution will bring much-needed attention to the 
plight of the Pakistanis. I am always moved and inspired by the 
generosity of the American people when they hear about those in need 
around the world and I believe that the United States should do 
everything possible to help expedite the flow of U.S. and international 
aid supplies and workers into the region.
  We must do everything possible to help expedite the flow of U.S. and 
international aide supplies and workers into the region. I believe that 
we should immediately reprogram funds from the Enhanced Partnership 
with Pakistan Act of 2009, which were initially set aside for democracy 
building, into the relief effort. This way we can have an immediate 
impact without spending a single additional taxpayer dollar. While food 
shortages and instances of waterborne disease continue to spread, we 
must act quickly and decisively. The generosity of the American people 
has been commendable. Let's make it count by acting as swiftly and 
competently as possible.
  We are currently fighting extremists throughout the region of South 
Asia, extremists who propagate the lie that Americans are out to 
destroy the Muslim way of life. Now we have an unprecedented 
opportunity to prove that this couldn't be further from the truth by 
helping the Pakistanis when they need it most. The U.S. response to the 
2005 earthquake in Pakistan led to a short-term increase in positive 
public opinion of the United States in Pakistan and I know that a 
similar response to this, a much larger tragedy, is sure to have an 
even greater influence in the hearts and minds of people.

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