[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 27 (Thursday, February 9, 2023)]
[Senate]
[Page S307]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                            TURKEY AND SYRIA

  Mr. CARDIN. Mr. President, I rise today to honor the lives lost 
during the tragic earthquake that shook southern Turkey and 
northwestern Syria and to reaffirm the American commitment to provide 
assistance to recover from this disaster. In the early morning hours of 
February 6, a magnitude 7.8 earthquake, one of the strongest quakes in 
the region's history, struck near the city of Gaziantep, causing the 
deaths of thousands of innocent individuals and wreaking disaster and 
destruction on many communities that were already struggling from the 
effects of war.
  I am devastated by the growing loss of life and injuries in Turkey 
and Syria. As of today, the earthquake has left more than 20,000 dead 
in Turkey and Syria and over 50,000 injured. Rescue missions continue 
to search for scores more that remain missing. In this great time of 
sadness for their countries, the United States will stand in 
humanitarian solidarity to provide relief, recovery, and efforts to 
build back even stronger.
  Within hours, the U.S. Agency for International Development activated 
a Disaster Assistance Response Team--DART--to lead the U.S. 
Government's humanitarian response to the disaster. The DART is working 
closely with Turkish authorities on the frontlines and will continue 
provide search and rescue support and identify priority humanitarian 
needs in the days to come.
  Globally, the outpouring of support in resources and rescue workers 
has been encouraging. The White Helmets, a volunteer organization that 
has assisted in the rescue of the many civilians suffering from attacks 
by the Syrian regime, has sprung into action. The internationally 
renowned group is currently working around the clock and has sent out 
over 300 search and rescue teams--several times their normal operating 
capacity.
  Over 20 NATO allies and partners have provided more than 1,400 
emergency response personnel, including firefighters, engineers, 
search-and-rescue and medical teams. I am heartened by the generosity 
of individuals, countries, and organizations, which include the 
Catholic Relief Services--CRS--a humanitarian agency based in 
Baltimore, MD. CRS is supporting emergency relief efforts by local 
partners in Turkey and Syria, including partner organizations Caritas 
Turkey, Caritas Syria, and Caritas Anatolia.
  Today, we honor those lost and injured in this week's disaster. We 
will continue to provide rescue support, and send our thoughts and 
prayers to the people of Turkey and Syria.

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