[Congressional Record Volume 161, Number 148 (Thursday, October 8, 2015)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1451]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  WELCOMING SOUTH KOREAN PRESIDENT PARK GEUN-HYE TO THE UNITED STATES

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                        HON. BILL PASCRELL, JR.

                             of new jersey

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, October 8, 2015

  Mr. PASCRELL. Mr Speaker, I rise today on behalf of Northern New 
Jersey's vibrant Korean American community. I would like to welcome the 
long awaited visit of South Korean President Park Geun-hye to the 
United States.
  I want to express my deepest condolences to President Park and the 
people of South Korea for the deadly Middle East Respiratory Syndrome 
(MERS) outbreak, which infected 186 people and tragically claimed 36 
lives.
  As we mourn this heartbreaking loss, I was encouraged to learn that 
the last South Korean patient previously diagnosed with MERS has tested 
negative for the virus and has showed a complete recovery from the 
disease.
  It is my hope that this visit will provide a venue for our countries 
to find new areas of cooperation in protecting our environment, 
improving global responses to health crisis, and for continued 
engagement on regional security that will bolster our nation's 
relationship in the 21st century.
  I am proud to represent one of the largest Korean American 
communities in Congress because they have made significant 
contributions to the success of our nation and have enriched our 
heritage through their unwavering patriotism, strong values and 
entrepreneurial spirit.
  I look forward to President Park's visit and will continue to be a 
strong advocate for my constituents so we can make New Jersey and our 
nation a better place for all.

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