[Congressional Record Volume 159, Number 167 (Thursday, November 21, 2013)]
[House]
[Page H7335]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
TYPHOON YOLANDA
(Ms. DUCKWORTH asked and was given permission to address the House
for 1 minute and to revise and extend her remarks.)
Ms. DUCKWORTH. Mr. Speaker, today, I stand with my neighbors in
Illinois and express my deepest sympathies to the victims of Typhoon
Yolanda. More than 4,000 Filipinos died in this tragedy, and millions
more are now in need of assistance.
While we mourn for those who suffer, I am also inspired by the
resilience of the victims and of the generosity of the American people.
I want the people of the Philippines to know that we stand with you.
Our brave men and women stationed in Okinawa were on the ground,
evacuating victims and dispersing supplies within 2 days of the storm
hitting. Local communities throughout the United States, including my
district, are also helping. Motorola Solutions, based in Schaumburg,
Illinois, and its employees have already donated $150,000 and emergency
equipment to help with the recovery. We in the Eighth District will not
forget our Filipino friends and families.
Yesterday, members of the Illinois congressional delegation and I
also sent a letter to Secretary Hagel, asking that the men and women of
the Illinois National Guard be allowed to fly their C-130s of supplies,
collected in Illinois, to the Philippines in order to assist with the
recovery. I know the dedication and professionalism of these men and
women, and I am certain that their contribution will save lives.
Citizens of the world look to the United States for leadership in
difficult times; and time and again our Nation has stepped forward to
help those in need. I am proud that America is doing so much to help
the victims of Typhoon Yolanda, but I also know that that need, that
that assistance will be needed well into the future as the Philippines
continue to recover.
Again, to our Filipino friends and families, we stand with you.
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