[Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 155 (Wednesday, December 5, 2012)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1882]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




      RECOGNITION OF TAIWAN'S SUPPORT FOR HURRICANE SANDY VICTIMS

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                            HON. ALBIO SIRES

                             of new jersey

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, December 5, 2012

  Mr. SIRES. Mr. Speaker, Hurricane Sandy was an unprecedented storm 
that left a devastating impact on our communities in New Jersey--
damaging homes, businesses, and leaving millions without power. Hudson, 
Essex, Middlesex, and Union counties, were hit particularly hard by 
Sandy. We have been fortunate to have a large team of federal, state, 
and local responders to assist in recovery efforts.
  Beyond, the recovery and assistance efforts led by federal, state, 
and local responders, fellow American citizens from all over the 
country donated their time and money to aid Sandy victims. In addition, 
international aid also poured into our communities. Worthy of 
particular mention is the assistance provided by the government of The 
Republic of China (Taiwan).
  On November 16, Taiwan announced that it had decided to donate $1.3 
million in relief and reconstruction aid to the United States. One 
million dollars will be given to United Way International and Habitat 
for Humanity International, charities based in Washington, D.C. These 
two organizations are addressing near term and long term recovery needs 
of communities most affected by Sandy. The rest of the funds will be 
distributed to the states of New Jersey and New York. A special 
ceremony marking the transfer of the funds to those organizations will 
be held in Washington, D.C. on December 6.
  We are grateful to the people of Taiwan and the ROC government for 
extending a helping hand during this difficult time. The people of 
Taiwan and their government have always been charitable and generous 
during our times of need. Taiwan gave generously in the aftermath of 
Hurricane Katrina in 2005 and it was a major international donor to the 
Twin Towers Fund, as well as the Pentagon Memorial Fund. Taiwan was 
also a heavy contributor to humanitarian aid in Iraq and Afghanistan.
  On behalf of my constituents and fellow Americans, I say ``thank 
you'' to our friends in Taiwan.

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