[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 151 (2005), Part 1]
[House]
[Pages 73-84]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




    EXPRESSING CONDOLENCES AND SUPPORT FOR ASSISTANCE TO VICTIMS OF 
 EARTHQUAKE AND TSUNAMIS THAT OCCURRED ON DECEMBER 26, 2004, IN SOUTH 
                           AND SOUTHEAST ASIA

  Mr. HYDE. Mr. Speaker, I offer a resolution (H. Res. 12) expressing 
condolences and support for assistance to the victims of the earthquake 
and tsunamis that occurred on December 26, 2004, in South and Southeast 
Asia, and ask unanimous consent for its immediate consideration.
  The Clerk read the title of the resolution.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there objection to the request of the 
gentleman from Illinois?
  There was no objection.
  The Clerk read the resolution, as follows:

                               H. Res. 12

       Whereas on December 26, 2004, a powerful earthquake 
     measuring 9.0 on the Richter Scale occurred off the west 
     coast of Northern Sumatra, Indonesia;
       Whereas the undersea earthquake created massive tsunamis 
     that struck several countries throughout South and Southeast 
     Asia, as well as on the coast of East Africa;
       Whereas the giant waves caused death and destruction on a 
     nearly unprecedented scale, killing more than 140,000 people 
     and leaving millions homeless;
       Whereas many thousands of people were killed in Indonesia, 
     Sri Lanka, India, and Thailand, and numerous others were 
     killed in Somalia, Malaysia, Maldives, Bangladesh, Kenya, 
     Burma, and elsewhere;
       Whereas an estimated one-third of the earthquake and 
     tsunami victims were children, and many thousands more have 
     been left orphaned or separated from their families;
       Whereas thousands of visitors and tourists from nearly 40 
     countries were killed in this natural disaster;
       Whereas between 3,000,000 and 5,000,000 people throughout 
     the affected region are lacking basic survival requirements 
     as a result of the tsunamis and there remains the risk of 
     numerous additional deaths due to shortages of clean water, 
     adequate shelter, food, sanitation, and basic healthcare;
       Whereas the United States and other donors have, to date, 
     pledged an estimated $2,000,000,000 in emergency and long-
     term reconstruction assistance; and
       Whereas the human cost of this disaster transcends mere 
     statistics and has resulted in deeply personal tragedies for 
     countless families in the region and throughout the world: 
     Now, therefore, be it
       Resolved,  That the House of Representatives--
       (1) mourns the horrific loss of life caused by the 
     earthquake and tsunamis that occurred on December 26, 2004, 
     in South and Southeast Asia;
       (2) expresses its deep condolences to the families of the 
     many earthquake and tsunami victims;
       (3) applauds the prompt humanitarian response to the 
     tsunami tragedy by governments, the United Nations and other 
     international organizations, and nongovernmental 
     organizations;
       (4) recognizes the generous outpouring of support for 
     relief efforts from private citizens around the world, 
     including in the United States;
       (5) affirms its commitment to additional generous United 
     States support for relief and long-term reconstruction 
     efforts in areas affected by the earthquake and tsunamis; and
       (6) urges continued attention by donors and relief agencies 
     to the needs of vulnerable populations in the stricken 
     countries, particularly the thousands of children who have 
     been left parentless and homeless by this disaster.


[[Page 74]]


  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Hyde) is 
recognized for 1 hour.


                             General Leave

  Mr. HYDE. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may 
have 5 legislative days within which to revise and extend their remarks 
on H. Res. 12, the resolution under consideration.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there objection to the request of the 
gentleman from Illinois?
  There was no objection.
  Mr. HYDE. Mr. Speaker, I yield half my time to the gentleman from 
California (Mr. Lantos) and ask unanimous consent that he may control 
that time.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there objection to the request of the 
gentleman from Illinois?
  There was no objection.
  Mr. HYDE. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
  Mr. Speaker, I stand in support of House Resolution 12 which the 
gentleman from California (Mr. Lantos), the gentleman from Iowa (Mr. 
Leach) and I introduced earlier today with numerous of our colleagues. 
It expresses the deep condolences of the House of Representatives for 
the victims of the massive earthquake and tsunamis that struck South 
and Southeast Asia on December 26, 2004, and affirms our commitment to 
additional generous support for relief and reconstruction efforts.
  The destruction wrought by this disaster is nearly incomprehensible. 
The confirmed death toll is nearly 150,000, approximately one-third of 
whom were children. Those countries that were hardest hit, Indonesia, 
Sri Lanka, India and Thailand, each lost many thousands, and the deadly 
effects were felt as far away as the eastern coasts of Africa. Millions 
of people are affected and lack the basic food, water, shelter and 
medical care necessary for survival. But, as the resolution notes, the 
human cost of this disaster transcends mere statistics and has resulted 
in deeply personal tragedies for countless families in the region and 
throughout the world. Our prayers are with the victims, their families 
and the many men and women working tirelessly to provide critical 
assistance to those still at risk.
  I am proud of the swiftness and the magnitude of the relief effort 
that has been organized during the past week and a half. The United 
States has stepped forward with an initial commitment of $350 million, 
and we are providing crucial transportation and logistic support for 
the larger relief effort. The current total of international commitment 
stands at approximately $2 billion. I fully expect additional resources 
will be required, and we must all recognize that reconstruction from 
this epic catastrophe will not be a short-term project.
  It is fitting we consider this resolution on the first day of this 
new Congress. This effort is the latest instance in a long American 
tradition of humanitarian generosity, and our actions demonstrate our 
belief that the earthquake and the tsunamis of December 26 were not 
primarily an Asian tragedy but a human tragedy. The people of the 
United States and all people of goodwill stand in solidarity with the 
many victims.
  Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
  Mr. LANTOS. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I might consume, 
and I rise in strong support of this resolution.
  I want to thank the gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Hyde), my good 
friend and distinguished colleague, the chairman of the Committee on 
International Relations, for sponsoring this critical resolution, and I 
want to express my thanks to the chairman and ranking member of our 
Subcommittee on Asia and the Pacific for their outstanding work on this 
resolution.
  Mr. Speaker, I want to extend my deepest and heartfelt sympathy to 
the people of the countries so deeply stricken by the earthquake, the 
tsunamis and their after-effects.
  This disaster has taken some 150,000 lives and left millions 
homeless, separated from their families, with no access to clean water, 
shelter, food, sanitation or health care.
  Mr. Speaker, late in December we all watched in shock as the news 
emerged detailing the horrors from the earthquake and tsunami-affected 
region. The initial reports of some 14,000 killed were simply stunning 
at the time, but a week later the numbers are 10 times higher, and with 
the horrendous death toll, we find there are countless more who are 
missing, including many American citizens.
  The numbers of people killed, missing, wounded or left homeless are 
nothing short of overwhelming, and the mind struggles to grasp that a 
tragedy of such dimensions is possible. But the destruction and the 
numbers are all too real, and the needs of the survivors are real as 
well.
  Our resolution affirms the rock-solid commitment of the American 
people and the government of the United States for relief and long-term 
reconstruction assistance in the areas affected by both the earthquake 
and the tsunamis, and it urges continued attention by all donors to the 
needs of the survivors, particularly the most vulnerable population, 
the children.
  Mr. Speaker, every country has the moral obligation to help the 
millions of people affected by the earthquake and the tsunamis. There 
is a human imperative to ensure that the survivors of this tragedy 
obtain much-needed humanitarian relief, but we must also work with the 
international community to help in the long-term reconstruction of the 
disaster-stricken countries, reconstruction efforts which will be 
needed for many years to come.
  I want to pay particular tribute to our military for their heroic 
assistance in this gigantic humanitarian crisis. No organization on the 
face of this planet could perform the miracles that our men and women 
in our military are doing every minute of every day as this crisis 
unfolds.
  Mr. Speaker, I find it an outrage that some of the wealthiest oil-
rich States have pledged only a pittance, even though since oil prices 
are at sky-high levels they have received an enormous windfall; in the 
case of Saudi Arabia, some $50 billion last year, that is $50,000 
million.
  Our resolution applauds the prompt humanitarian response of the 
United States, the American people, many of our friends and allies, 
international organizations and relief bodies. We must continue to 
support these efforts as long as they are necessary.
  The gentleman from Illinois (Chairman Hyde) and I will continue to 
work to determine the best way the Congress and the American people can 
continue to help the affected countries over the long run. It is only 
fitting, Mr. Speaker, that the first legislative act of this Congress 
is a truly bipartisan effort to demonstrate the generosity and the 
caring of the American people.

                              {time}  1800

  I firmly hope that this spirit of bipartisanship may spread to some 
of our other efforts in the 109th Congress. I urge all of my colleagues 
to support H. Res. 12.
  Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
  Mr. HYDE. Mr. Speaker, I yield 5 minutes to the gentleman from Iowa 
(Mr. Leach).
  Mr. LEACH. Mr. Speaker, I thank my distinguished chairman and 
distinguished ranking member for bringing this very thoughtful 
resolution to the floor.
  What the world is witnessing with this tsunami in the Indian Ocean is 
a tragedy of awesome dimensions which the executive branch of the 
United States, the Congress, and the American people are determined to 
address in the most compassionate way possible.
  I stress the word ``compassion'' because in international affairs 
today, the issue of motives is on everybody's mind. I would like to 
make it very clear that the only motive of the American people is 
compassion. There may be geopolitical spinoffs to any actions any 
government at any time makes or does not make, but this is an issue of 
people; and it is the obligation of the people's House of the United 
States to reflect the heart and soul of our constituents, and this we 
are doing in this resolution.

[[Page 75]]

  It is true that this issue is a long way from home. It is also true 
that it is expensive. Beyond that, it is impressive to me how 
unprecedented the initial reaction has been. In less than 2 weeks, 
hundreds of millions of dollars of assistance have already been brought 
to bear. Indeed, a kind of competitive compassion has been precipitated 
involving nation states, international organizations, nongovernmental 
organizations, and faith-based institutions.
  As the gentleman from California (Mr. Lantos) mentioned, it is 
particularly impressive what the United States military has been able 
to do in very short order. It is the institution of our society that 
can act the quickest in the face of every kind of emergencies. Our 
military has become, in essence, an instrument of peace in a way that 
it was not necessarily designed to be, but which we as the American 
people want it to perform.
  Finally, let me stress that in addition to the issue at stake, this 
is an incredibly important time in human history to attempt to develop 
models of concern and action that bring people together rather than 
tear them apart. To the degree that a model of compassion which may or 
may not be competitive is contrasted with models of accelerating hate, 
we have hope that other kinds of disasters that may be man-made instead 
of nature-made can be addressed in similar kinds of ways.
  This is a beginning, somewhat hortatory resolution of the United 
States Congress; but it is meaningful because it is a commitment. I 
would simply like to stress how impressed I am how every Member of 
Congress, every constituent that has talked to me, every member of the 
executive branch is committed to doing the utmost we conceivably can.
  This is an issue, as the gentleman from California (Mr. Lantos) 
mentioned, of a human dimension, not any other kind.
  Mr. LANTOS. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to yield 3 minutes to the 
gentleman from New Jersey (Mr. Menendez), a distinguished member of the 
Committee on International Relations and the chairman of the House 
Democratic Caucus.
  Mr. MENENDEZ. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman from California (Mr. 
Lantos), the distinguished ranking member of the Committee on 
International Relations, for his early work on this, along with the 
chairman.
  As a cosponsor, I rise in strong support of this resolution 
expressing our condolences and our support for additional assistance to 
the victims of the natural disasters in South and Southeast Asia. It is 
hard to find words to express our sympathy, our condolences, and for 
that fact our admiration for the strength and courage of the people in 
the many countries who survived the devastating earthquakes and 
tsunamis only 10 days ago.
  I am proud that the United States has pledged $350 million in aid, 
bringing the total aid pledged worldwide to approximately $2 billion; 
but we will be called upon to do more.
  It is almost impossible to comprehend that over 150,000 people died 
and that an additional 3 to 5 million are living without the basic 
necessities to survive. Unfortunately, these survivors now face a new 
threat from disease and starvation. Right now, ruined transportation, 
infrastructure, and communication systems are hampering some aid 
efforts. The international community needs to address these serious 
problems to ensure aid reaches all those who need it. We must house, 
feed, and protect the people who survived and help these same people 
rebuild their homes, their economies, and their lives. That is why the 
United States and other donor countries have pledged our involvement 
now and in the future. But it is also the individual contributions of 
Americans that make the difference and show our collective compassion 
and understanding.
  It is impossible to calculate the number of people who lost family 
members or whose homes, towns, and villages were destroyed; and I often 
think about how would we feel if this catastrophe happened in our 
homes, our towns, our States, or our country. We must also remember 
that each person lost was an individual whose life touched many others. 
In New Jersey in my own district, we have families from the impacted 
countries; and I extend my deepest sympathy to anyone who has lost a 
family member or a loved one.
  I also want to recognize the generosity of Americans and private 
citizens around the world. Just as the world supported the United 
States and the victims of the families of the victims of the 9/11 
attacks, our citizens have shown their sympathy and commitment to the 
victims of the tsunami. In particular, I want to thank our troops who 
are on the front lines in the disaster areas, bringing food, water, 
medical assistance, and other relief to those who need it most.
  Finally, even in the midst of our mourning, I believe that from the 
ashes of this tragedy new opportunity will arise. In Sri Lanka, rebels 
and the government are working to provide relief together. In 
Indonesia, the United States and the international community are all 
working to provide assistance to those affected by the disaster. In the 
United States, we have a great opportunity to show our empathy and our 
generosity to the world. I believe we can lead not only in war but in 
relief, and that we need to be as committed to fighting disease, 
famine, and tragedy as we are to fighting the war on terror. Then we 
will win the hearts and minds of many people in this country, as well 
as show America to be the beacon of light that it is.
  Mr. HYDE. Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the gentleman from 
Indiana (Mr. Burton), my learned colleague.
  Mr. BURTON of Indiana. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for 
yielding me this time and for his kind remarks.
  Mr. Speaker, this is a very solemn occasion on which we meet here 
tonight: 150,000 people have perished in an unforeseen disaster that 
took place a little over a week ago. The world has joined hands to try 
to help these people who suffered in Indonesia and the entire region.
  The gentleman from Florida (Mr. Wexler) and I are co-chairmen of the 
Indonesian Caucus, and we have been working with people in the 
Indonesian Government because they have moved so rapidly towards 
democracy and the things that we believe in in this country. It is 
tragic at this moment in history that they have suffered, along with 
Sri Lanka, India, and the rest of that region, so heavily because of 
this horrible tragedy that occurred just a short time ago. President 
Bush has responded. This country has responded to the tune of $350 
million, as the gentleman from California (Mr. Lantos) and the 
gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Hyde) have just recently stated. That is 
great. Our military has responded very rapidly. That is important as 
well.
  But the American people, if I were able to talk to them tonight, 
could respond in an equal fashion. If I were allowed, Mr. Speaker, and 
I know I am not allowed to speak directly to the American people, but 
if I were, I would say, if they want to make contributions to help our 
government help the people of that region, they could contact and make 
contributions through www.usafreedomcorps.gov. I know I cannot say that 
because we are not able to make that kind of a plea from the well to 
the American people. But if I could, I would once again ask them to 
make contributions through www.usafreedomcorps.gov because that would 
help augment what the United States Government is trying to do to help 
the people of this region.
  As many as 5 million people, as many as the people in the whole State 
of Indiana, could adversely be affected if they do not get the 
resources necessary to help with the potential health problems and the 
infrastructure problems that occur over there. We want to make sure 
that the world tragedy that has occurred in that region does not get 
any worse, and the best way to do that is to make sure the resources 
they need get there as quickly as possible.
  We are doing our part as a government, but the American people and 
the rest of the people could help as well if they choose to do so.
  Mr. Speaker, I want to thank my colleagues, the gentleman from 
California (Mr. Lantos) and the gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Hyde), for 
bringing this resolution forward tonight, along with

[[Page 76]]

the gentleman from Iowa (Mr. Leach). We really appreciate what our 
government and the President is trying to do. The President has 
appointed former President Bush and President Clinton to head up an 
effort to raise additional resources. We appreciate that, and we urge 
the American people to help as well in any way that they can.
  Mr. LANTOS. Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the gentlewoman from 
Texas (Ms. Jackson-Lee), an indefatigable fighter on behalf of 
suffering people across the globe.
  Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas. Mr. Speaker, let me add my great 
appreciation to the distinguished gentleman from California (Mr. 
Lantos), the gentleman from Illinois (Chairman Hyde), and the gentleman 
from Iowa (Mr. Leach) for recognizing the need for this Congress on the 
very day of our swearing-in ceremonies to offer to the people of the 
world our deepest sympathy, and also our ability to be able to 
understand a horrific tragedy that is unspeakable.
  We note 140,000 who may have died by the tsunami, but it may be 
growing, 150,000, 160,000. As I listened to the remarks being made by 
the gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Hyde), I noted as we have worked 
together on these issues that more than one-third are children, and how 
we can all recall the day of 9/11 when it came to our attention in New 
York that so many children had been left behind because of the tragedy 
and death of their parents.
  Now not only do we have children that have died, but we have children 
that are left behind. So I say to those in Indonesia and Sri Lanka, 
Thailand and India, Somalia, Malaysia, Maldives, Bangladesh, Kenya, 
Burma, and many other places, that we recognize that no words can 
comfort you for this tragedy.
  But out of this enormous tragedy I believe that the world can now 
take its rightful place as a healer, as a place where there is caring, 
there is nurturing. And so for the $350 million, although many of us 
recognize that the initial response was not what we wanted it to be, 
today we come in celebration and acknowledgment of the leadership that 
has been given by this Nation. We are grateful for the $350 million; 
but more importantly, I am grateful for the words of the gentleman from 
Illinois (Mr. Hastert) that we will do more.
  I think it is also important to state for the record $2 billion 
around the world has been promised. That shows that the world can work 
together for peace for humanitarian causes. Might I also say in a 
special note and special prerogative that I would like to congratulate 
those in the city of Houston and acknowledge the work that was done by 
that city.
  On December 27, 2004, over 75 persons joined in a very small room in 
my Federal building and organized a Houston's Solution For Tsunami 
Victims. The representatives were from the council offices of 
Indonesia, Sri Lanka, the Council Office of Thailand, Pakistan, India 
and the Vietnam community and others.

                              {time}  1815

  What we wanted to do is not to be selfish and to separate ourselves 
but we wanted to have the Houston mark on this terrible tragedy. And so 
to my colleagues, the City of Houston is organizing as a city. Some of 
our ideas will be, of course, to adopt cities in those regions to be 
part of the long-term rebuild of schools and hospitals and as well to 
provide medical supplies and other dollars to be part of the larger 
effort. My hat is off to that effort. In fact, our first event will be 
this Sunday, January 9, in Houston, Texas.
  Might I close by saying this is what can be done all over the Nation 
and I know it is being done. I will also ask my colleagues to join me 
in supporting legislation that I am filing, a resolution on temporary 
protective status of those individuals in this country whose 
documentation may be expiring and therefore are not able to go back to 
these devastated countries will be allowed to stay here until their 
nations are rebuilt. I look forward to working with my colleagues on 
this important effort.
  I thank the leaders who have put forward this resolution. They are 
visionaries but most importantly they are humanitarians. I am glad 
today this Congress is standing up to be called not just a Congress but 
people who care, who believe in the world family.
  Mr. HYDE. Mr. Speaker, I am very pleased to yield 4 minutes to the 
distinguished gentleman from California (Mr. Rohrabacher).
  Mr. ROHRABACHER. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of this resolution. I 
would like to express my appreciation to the gentleman from Illinois 
(Mr. Hyde) and the gentleman from California (Mr. Lantos) again 
leading, being the moral leaders of this body concerning issues of 
human rights and humanitarian concerns. I appreciate their leadership. 
I am a very grateful follower. I would like to thank the gentleman from 
Iowa (Mr. Leach) for his leadership on this issue as well.
  This resolution does express our condolences to the people of Asia 
and East Africa devastated by this incredible tsunami which on December 
26 hit this region and has cost at least 140,000 lives. It is a 
staggering number of lives. It is hard to comprehend how many people 
have lost loved ones and are suffering. In this time of need, the world 
has responded in a manner unprecedented in its size and scope to a 
catastrophe that is unprecedented. Between private and public 
donations, the relief effort so far has totaled over $3 billion. The 
distorted characterization of a confused United Nations official 
notwithstanding, America can be especially proud that in this time of 
need our people and our government have stepped forward. In addition to 
government aid, which sometimes people overseas only recognize the 
government aid, a significant amount of donations have come from 
charitable organizations and private donations in which our people 
voluntarily give out of a loveness in their heart and a concern for 
humanity. As we speak, financial and material donations, private sector 
as well as public, continue to be pledged.
  However, all the relief does not diminish the anguish and personal 
pain of so many tens of thousands, hundreds of thousands of people who 
have lost loved ones. And to those people, you have the prayers of the 
American people and our hearts are with you. Every day there are new 
stories of a family having lost both mother and father or parents who 
have lost their children. Communities have been demolished and the hard 
work in piecing these people's lives together will take many, many 
years.
  The people of the United States stand with these people who are in 
need and who have been affected by this horrible tragedy. Incidentally, 
many of those who have been suffering from this natural disaster are 
Muslims. I would hope that these people in the Islamic world understand 
that America is stepping forward with generosity to help these people 
not because they are Muslims or whatever their faith is but because we 
care about them as human beings. We hope that they put that in 
perspective when they are trying to analyze what the United States is 
all about.
  Compounding this tragedy, of course, is an economic issue that we 
need to discuss as well and that is the lapse of a 30-year-old WTO 
agreement for manufactured apparel. This would not even come up and 
people would not understand it had it not been for the tsunami. A 
critical part of Sri Lanka's and Thailand's as well as Indonesia's 
economy deals with producing this apparel. With the ending of this 
agreement, of the quota system for apparel, we can expect that China 
will benefit dramatically even though China has not suffered from this 
natural disaster. It will benefit and $2.5 billion of trade will be 
taken from Sri Lanka alone, for example.
  I think in light of this tsunami tragedy and the current labor 
practices in China that an extension of this agreement is not only in 
the best interests of our friends in Thailand and Sri Lanka but for all 
countries who believe in standards of labor and human rights practices. 
I would suggest that we go back to those quotas as of January 1 and 
postpone the elimination of the quotas for 2 years in order to help 
those countries that are now suffering.

[[Page 77]]

  I would also like to recognize the people of Thailand and the royal 
family of Thailand who have cared for thousands of refugees and people 
over the years from Burma, Laos, Cambodia and Vietnam. For over 30 
years they have taken in refugees and so generously cared for them. Now 
they are in need of help and it is up to us to help the people of 
Thailand. Our relief efforts and our donations go with a great deal of 
understanding that the Thais have themselves been generous and it is 
our time to be generous to them. Relief workers are now struggling to 
reunite families and find loved ones that are dead and their remains 
brought back to the family. As they do, the people of Thailand are 
going to be suffering. We know that. I know those people. Let us keep 
them in mind and their suffering in mind. As we move forward, let us do 
ourselves proud by doing what is right and that is what is happening 
throughout America and the free world today.
  Mr. LANTOS. Mr. Speaker, I am very pleased to yield 2 minutes to the 
distinguished gentleman from New Jersey (Mr. Pallone).
  Mr. PALLONE. Mr. Speaker, let me also thank the chairman and the 
ranking member for putting forth House Resolution 12, of which I am a 
cosponsor, which I do think is very significant in light of what we 
have witnessed in the aftermath of the tsunami over the last 10 days.
  I want to say, first of all, that this resolution as we know talks 
about a number of things that we need to do and that to some extent we 
have already done. One is to provide humanitarian assistance. I know 
the President has pledged $350 million, which may seem like a lot, but 
I frankly think that we probably will end up needing significantly more 
in terms of humanitarian assistance. In addition to that, the gentleman 
from California (Mr. Lantos) mentioned long-term reconstruction, 
development assistance because we must remember that many of the people 
no longer have a means of livelihood, fishermen who no longer have 
their fishing boats, farmers whose land may be salted and have no 
longer the ability to farm. We have to think in terms of long-term 
reconstruction and development aid.
  And finally what I call the early warning system. There has been a 
lot of discussion and I think there is a need to expand the tsunami 
early warning system that exists in the Pacific not only to the Indian 
Ocean but also possibly to the Atlantic Ocean and throughout the world. 
We know that this can be done fairly inexpensively. We are talking 
about maybe 5 to $10 million for the Atlantic, maybe $20 million at the 
most for the Indian Ocean. I think this has to be part of our effort to 
make sure that this event never occurs again.
  I just also wanted to say I was, of course, disappointed with the 
early stages of the President's response, but when he said that he 
wanted now to provide all appropriate assistance, I certainly take him 
at his word and I appreciate the fact that now we are moving forward. 
He has not only provided a public element with the $350 million but 
sent his brother and Secretary of State Powell overseas and now we have 
the private element with the two former Presidents that are involved. 
We should be very happy with the fact that more private American 
assistance has been pledged than even the $350 million in government 
assistance that the President has promised. I know that at some point 
we may have to do an appropriations bill, perhaps an emergency 
appropriations bill to replenish the assistance that has already been 
out there, and I certainly know that over the next few weeks that the 
chairman and the ranking member and the members of the Appropriations 
Committee will be looking at that. I think it is very important.
  The last thing that I did want to mention is the fact that in my 
district, as many of my colleagues have mentioned, we have a large 
number of Indian Americans, Sri Lankan Americans, South Asians from 
many of the countries that have been impacted. It is amazing to see the 
outpouring from these communities and from the public in general in 
terms of providing money, providing clothing, providing medical 
supplies. The outpouring that we have seen I think is really a symbol 
and a reality of what Americans are all about from all walks of life.
  Again I want to thank my colleagues for putting this resolution 
together and the other commitments that I expect will be forthcoming 
over the next few weeks.
  Mr. HYDE. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to yield 3 minutes to the 
gentleman from New Jersey (Mr. Ferguson).
  Mr. FERGUSON. Mr. Speaker, I want to thank the chairman and thank the 
gentleman from California as well for bringing this resolution to the 
floor. As a mark of respect for the victims of the Indian Ocean 
earthquake and the resulting tsunamis, I rise today in strong support 
of this resolution, as a cosponsor of this resolution, to honor the 
victims and to show my support for the humanitarian aid that our 
country is helping to provide with our partners from around the world. 
My prayers go out to the victims and their families who have been 
struck by this horrific tragedy, in particular, the large Asian and 
Indian community that resides in my district and, in fact, in all of 
our State of New Jersey.
  Currently the estimated death toll is more than 140,000, in some 
cases over 150,000 people in South and Southeast Asia and East Africa. 
Between 3 and 5 million people throughout the affected region are 
lacking basic survival requirements, access to clean water, adequate 
shelter, food, sanitation and health care. Contaminated water sources 
in the affected countries have increased the risk of cholera, dysentery 
and malaria. Approximately 500,000 people have been displaced in 
Indonesia; more than 889,000 are displaced in Sri Lanka; 3.5 million 
people are affected in India; and more than 10,000 are injured in 
Thailand. In addition, between 15,000 and 30,000 may be affected in 
Somalia; 12,000 are displaced in Malaysia; and approximately 12,000 are 
displaced and 300,000 affected in the Maldives. These numbers are 
astounding. We must continue to do all that we can to help the millions 
who have been affected by this disaster. I strongly support all efforts 
by our country and the many others that are helping to meet the call 
for financial and voluntary relief. In fact, it is my hope to travel to 
the affected areas very soon to help do my part in seeing that the 
relief effort under way is a success.
  Further, I would like to recognize the strong support of the American 
people. They have heeded the call to help their neighbors across the 
globe with a dedication and a determination that is an embodiment of 
our American spirit. We have banded together as a Nation and have 
continued our longstanding tradition of donating our considerable 
resources to our fellow men and women around the world. Again, let me 
thank Chairman Hyde and Ranking Member Lantos for bringing this 
important resolution to the floor. I am proud to be a cosponsor.
  Mr. LANTOS. Mr. Speaker, I am delighted to yield 2 minutes to my good 
friend, the distinguished gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Davis).
  Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman from 
California for yielding me this time. I also want to commend him and 
the chairman of the committee, my colleague from Illinois, and all of 
those who have spoken. I rise in strong support of this resolution. I 
also want to commend the people of my district and people throughout 
America who have risen to the occasion.
  I noted with pride on New Year's Eve African-American churches in my 
district who had turned their traditional watch meeting night into an 
appeal for the people who have been affected. I took great pride in 
Chinatown in my district a few days ago when my Chinese constituents, 
Chinese Americans, were organizing relief efforts to send money and 
medical aid. I also took great pride when my Tamilian friends from Sri 
Lanka came to express the support that they not only were seeking but 
were also giving. This is a tremendous effort on the part of not only 
organized governments but organized citizens throughout America. I am

[[Page 78]]

pleased to be a part of it. Again I commend Chairman Hyde, Ranking 
Member Lantos and all of those who have spearheaded this resolution.

                              {time}  1830

  Mr. HYDE. Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the distinguished 
gentleman from California (Mr. Royce).
  Mr. ROYCE. Mr. Speaker, I thank the chairman for yielding me this 
time.
  I rise in support of this resolution. I think we all watched in shock 
at the devastation caused by the December 26 earthquake and the 
subsequent tsunami. I led a delegation to Gujarat in 2001 to assess the 
damage after the earthquake that shook India, and that devastation, 
that tragedy, was indescribable. And after that quake, the world 
community pulled together, as did the people of India, including Indian 
Americans, to address the humanitarian disaster. But the quake there in 
magnitude was less than this quake. This quake was 9.0. And the effect 
has been such that the death toll today is over 150,000.
  As we have heard on the floor, millions have been left homeless. 
Indeed the images of death and destruction that we have seen on 
television are sobering. It is difficult to comprehend the extent of 
the damage because the devastation stretches across 5,000 miles and 12 
countries. It stretches across geographical and cultural and religious 
lines.
  As is often the case in extreme disaster, we also see the best in the 
human spirit. There has been an outpouring of support across our 
country from both individuals and from businesses. Members from the Los 
Angeles County Fire Department's disaster response team have been 
dispatched to Sri Lanka. Niagara Water Company of Irvine, California, 
has donated 55,000 gallons of water.
  The actions taken by the United States Government speak louder than 
any statement can. Not surprisingly, first on the scene was the United 
States military. An aircraft carrier task force was immediately 
diverted from Hong Kong to the Gulf of Thailand, and a Marine 
Expeditionary Force from Guam was dispatched to the Bay of Bengal. No 
other organization in the world can tackle the logistical challenge of 
getting these types of assets on location to assist the people in need. 
As a matter of fact, the local governor in Aceh said that the U.S. Navy 
helicopters appeared to him like ``angels,'' in his words, as they 
arrived to deliver supplies to those people in need.
  Through this challenge we see opportunities for the United States to 
make a lasting impression in South and in Southeast Asia. Cooperation 
between the U.S. and India is expanding like never before. The U.S. 
regional command center for this unprecedented relief operation has 
been established in Thailand. And the U.S. and Indonesian military 
forces are working together for the first time in many years.
  The United States stands by the people of South and Southeast Asia 
during this catastrophe.
  Mr. LANTOS. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentlewoman from 
California (Ms. Zoe Lofgren), the dean of the California delegation.
  Ms. ZOE LOFGREN of California. Mr. Speaker, I give thanks to the 
chairman and ranking member for having this resolution before us this 
evening. When we turn on the TV, when we read the news and we learn of 
just the scope of the magnitude of this disaster, it is simply 
staggering. In India and Sri Lanka and Thailand and Indonesia, 
Malaysia, the Maldives, Bangladesh, Burma, even Kenya and Somalia on 
the African coast, the devastation is simply stunning. And it is 
important that the United States show leadership to the world and to 
the victims in coming to grips with this. I really cannot think of an 
event in my lifetime that has been this enormous in terms of loss of 
life and long-term implications for this part of the world. So I am 
glad that we are here on this first day of the 109th Congress to show 
the world that we stand ready and in solidarity with those who have 
lost their lives, those who have lost members of their family, and 
certainly there are those from other parts of the world visiting South 
Asia.
  I want, as others have mentioned, to give great thanks to my 
constituents in Silicon Valley first started by Americans who were from 
South Asia or whose families were originally from South Asia, 
organizing volunteer efforts; and the response has been dramatic and 
huge from every corner of Silicon Valley to step forward and to help 
with the relief effort. However, as others have mentioned, our 
assistance is going to be needed for some time to come.
  I heard on the radio news this morning that in some of the towns, 80 
percent of the teachers have been lost, 85 percent of all the police 
officers have died. The infrastructure of civilization for many of the 
towns and localities is simply gone. So we will look to so many of our 
fellow citizens to do volunteer efforts and to donate generously. They 
are not disappointing us. But it is the institution of the United 
States Government that is going to have to be in with a helping hand to 
help these parts of the world become civilized again, to come up from 
the muck that the tsunami brought to them and to take once again their 
place in the world. I am pledged to work with all of my colleagues in 
the House towards that end. I am proud that the Speaker and the 
gentlewoman from California (Ms. Pelosi), our leader, each made this 
tragedy part of their opening remarks at the start of the 109th 
Congress. I thank them for that.
  Mr. LANTOS. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
  Long before she joined the Congress, the gentlewoman from California 
(Ms. Pelosi) was a fighter for all humane and humanitarian endeavors 
across the globe. She expresses the views of all Democrats on this 
important humanitarian crisis.
  Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as she may consume to the gentlewoman 
from California (Ms. Pelosi).
  Ms. PELOSI. Mr. Speaker, I thank the distinguished ranking member of 
the committee for his kind words and for his great leadership. And I 
thank the gentleman from Illinois, the two of them, for bringing this 
very important resolution both to the floor. They both have been 
champions for humanitarian causes and human rights throughout the 
world. I thank the gentleman from California (Mr. Lantos), especially 
for his work on the Human Rights Caucus. And, in fact, the definition 
of human rights and our attention to the condition of mankind extends 
to the issue that is before us today.
  As the world knows, 9 days ago we witnessed on television the most 
destructive power of nature, a powerful earthquake and subsequent 
tsunami that took more than 150,000 lives and seriously injured 
hundreds of thousands more across Asia. The unspeakable devastation the 
world has witnessed in these areas presents a challenge not only for 
the millions of people who are struggling to recover and rebuild but 
also for all of us who are called by our faith and our common humanity 
to help those in need.
  Nothing can give back all that has been lost, but the actions we take 
today and in the days ahead help to keep the epic disaster from 
becoming even more far reaching. In a tragedy such as this one, there 
is only the smallest measure of inspiration that can be taken from the 
devastation.
  But if there is anything hopeful to be found in the aftermath of the 
tragedy, it is that the worst of Mother Nature has brought out the best 
in human nature. Americans have donated hundreds of millions of dollars 
in private donations. The coordinated efforts by USAID, the 
International Red Cross, UNICEF, OXFAM and Care and many others are 
providing quick and vital resources. Relief workers are struggling 24 
hours a day to distribute supplies and medical care to the injured and 
homeless. The United States Government has pledged $350 million in 
emergency assistance for the region. And when the victims of the 
disaster in Asia see our soldiers and ships and helicopters bringing 
food, supplies, and medical care, they see the compassion that is the 
best of America.
  The chairman and ranking member of the Committee on International 
Relations and I in my capacity as ranking

[[Page 79]]

member on the Foreign Operations, Export Financing and Related Programs 
of the Committee on Appropriations, we have traveled the world to see 
our assistance at work, and we know that when the U.S. military becomes 
involved in humanitarian assistance, they are the best. They are well 
organized. They get the job done in record time. We are very proud of 
them and all that they do and certainly in the case of the tsunami.
  All of these things are critical, but much more needs to be done. It 
is estimated by the United Nations that 1.8 million people will need 
food aid, 1.8 million people. Roads and bridges will need to be rebuilt 
to get that aid to the people who need it. Millions of people are 
homeless and in need of shelter. The statistics are daunting, but we 
must not lose sight of the power of the United States to soften 
nature's blow. The statistics are staggering, but we remember every 
single individual as a person who is affected by this. A compassionate 
and generous response from the United States is essential to save these 
individual lives and to stabilize the entire region.
  While there has been a strong initial response to the crisis, there 
must be initiative to assist in the longer-term reconstruction process. 
The United States must take the lead by providing a multi-year 
assistance package that does not come at the expense of other disaster 
relief efforts around the world. I hope that a package of aid and 
assistance for the victims of last week's tsunamis will be the first 
significant bipartisan accomplishment of this 109th Congress, and I 
know under the leadership of the gentleman from Illinois and the 
gentleman from California (Mr. Lantos) and our distinguished Speaker in 
his beautiful words today about the disaster that we have a good chance 
that that will be possible.
  There is a passage in the Bible that speaks to the power of the 
spirit at times such as this: ``The bricks have fallen down, but we 
will rebuild with dressed stone; the fig trees have been felled, but we 
will replace them with cedars.'' As one who kind of likes victories, I 
understand the strength of cedars, but we will replace and rebuild.
  I kind of think another passage from the Bible is appropriate here. 
It is appropriate on many occasions, but I thought of it the minute I 
saw the tsunami, and that is in the Old Testament they tell us that to 
minister to the needs of God's creation is an act of worship, to ignore 
those needs is to dishonor the God who made us and them. So we can have 
an act of worship by ministering to the needs of these people.
  I especially want to mention the country of Indonesia that has been 
devastated by the crisis. Indonesian health authorities reported Sunday 
that the tsunami may have killed 100,000 people in the Aceh province 
alone. This natural disaster comes after the Indonesian Government has 
performed massive military operations and frankly brutal acts of 
violence against the civilian population of Aceh in recent years.
  The international response presents an opportunity for the government 
of Indonesia to form a new partnership, a fresh start, with the people 
of Aceh. It is critical that the Indonesian Government continue to open 
the region to relief organizations, nongovernmental organizations, and 
the media. It will take a long time. It will require a great deal of 
help. The scars may never heal entirely, and the memories of loved ones 
lost will linger forever. But with the help of people of the world, the 
people of the affected countries will recover and rebuild.
  Already we see people who were strangers to each other before the 
disaster standing together, some of them right in this very room, and 
today with this resolution and with the actions that will be necessary 
in the coming days to give substance to our words, we say to them the 
people of the United States stand with them. We can say that with great 
assurance because of the leadership of the gentleman from Illinois (Mr. 
Hyde) and the gentleman from California (Mr. Lantos) and those kind 
words, again, of the Speaker this morning.
  Mr. LANTOS. Mr. Speaker, I thank the leader for her powerful and 
eloquent statement.
  Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from American Samoa 
(Mr. Faleomavaega), a distinguished member of the Committee on 
International Relations and ranking member of the Asia and the Pacific 
Subcommittee.
  Mr. FALEOMAVAEGA. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman from California 
for yielding me this time and also extend my appreciation to the 
chairman of our committee for the support and cosponsorship of this 
important resolution.
  Mr. Speaker, this certainly has been a tragic crisis in Southeast 
Asia, and I do not know if my colleagues know that I am probably one of 
the few Members who has ever personally experienced what it means to go 
through a tidal wave and so sad to hear from the media reports and 
learning in some parts of this region when the reefs and the beaches 
are sucked into the ocean and the water recedes some 300 yards from the 
reefs and the children and people not knowing the nature, that this is 
how a tidal wave comes about.

                              {time}  1845

  And then, the children playing and the fish flopping all over the 
place thinking this is a blessing from God, and then knowing that they 
should be running in the opposite direction when the tidal wave hits. 
This is really a sad situation.
  Mr. Speaker, what I really wanted to address and share with my 
colleagues is a certain criticism that has been brought not only to the 
world community, but to our Nation, suggesting that our country has 
been stingy in giving assistance to those who are in need. Nothing 
could be further from the truth.
  Mr. Speaker, in the Wall Street Journal article on 3 January, and 
according to a USAID report, in the year 2000, our country donated over 
$56 billion in international assistance. Eighteen percent of that alone 
came from the government. $33.6 billion, or 60 percent, came from 
private donors, $3 billion from corporations, $3.4 billion from 
religious organizations, $18 billion from individual donations alone, 
not even counting foundations and from public organizations and 
universities.
  I suggest that the next time we get criticisms from others suggesting 
that our Nation has not been generous in giving assistance to those in 
need really needs to be corrected. And I am very, very glad not only 
from Secretary Powell, but from President Bush, that we need to make 
certain corrections.
  Mr. Speaker, I will insert for the Record the full text of this 
editorial commentary in the Wall Street Journal of 3 January. I urge my 
colleagues to support this resolution.

              [From the Wall Street Journal, Jan. 3, 2005]

                            Far From Stingy

       Across the world, the reaction to Asia's tsunami is 
     bringing out the best in human nature. Fund-raising appeals, 
     disaster-relief teams, military assets--all are being 
     marshaled for the victims of this tragedy.
       Which makes it all the more outrageous that a top United 
     Nations official chose this week to accuse the U.S. and other 
     Western nations of being stingy with assistance to poorer 
     nations. ``We were more generous when we were less rich,'' 
     Undersecretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs Jan Egeland 
     lectured on Monday. ``And it is beyond me why we are so 
     stingy, really.''
       Now, complaints about U.S. miserliness are more routine 
     than the earthquakes and floods that strike the globe. A 
     favorite ``fact'' of international critics is that while the 
     U.S. government nearly always ranks first in absolute amounts 
     of foreign aid, it tends to fall last among industrial 
     countries in aid as a percentage of gross national product. 
     The one-tenth of one percent that Washington devoted to 
     foreign assistance, they say, is nothing compared with what 
     the U.S. could afford.
       The problem is that, as with so many questions of 
     accounting (say, Oil for Food), the U.N. and other 
     international bodies rely on unreliable ledgers. Groups like 
     the Development Assistance Committee (part of the 
     Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development) tend 
     to look only at ``official'' government aid. What this misses 
     is that Americans have never trusted government institutions 
     to dole out assistance. Instead, we open our wallets for 
     private groups that are better at targeting money where it's 
     needed, tracking projects, cutting waste--and getting 
     results.
       When it comes to this sort of giving, nobody beats 
     Americans. According to a 2003

[[Page 80]]

     report from the U.S. Agency for International Development, 
     U.S. international assistance to developing countries in 2000 
     was $56 billion. Yet just 18% of that was ``official'' 
     government assistance. Some $33.6 billion--or 60%--came from 
     the private sector. Corporations shelled out nearly $3 
     billion. Religious groups weighed in with $3.4 billion. 
     Individuals provided $18 billion. To say nothing of funds 
     from foundations, private and voluntary organizations, or 
     universities.
       Cynics mark this generosity down to a U.S. tax code that 
     encourages giving. Yet most research shows that Americans 
     view donations as a duty. Philanthropy magazine reports a 
     study showing the average U.S. contribution outweighs the 
     average German or French one seven- or eight-fold. This sense 
     of responsibility is often motivated by faith; some 60% of 
     American donations go to religious groups or causes.
       None of this sits well with the U.N., whose own budget 
     relies on state dollars. A chastened Mr. Egeland was forced 
     later this week to claim he'd been misinterpreted and to 
     acknowledge U.S. generosity. But behind this apology is the 
     U.N.'s longstanding belief that what's really needed is for 
     the U.S. and others to raise taxes to pay for more public 
     foreign aid.
       That approach reigns in Western Europe and explains what's 
     wrong with so much of current foreign aid. Europeans have 
     come to view private donations as a failure of the state and 
     expect their governments to collect billions in taxes to 
     shuffle along to slow-moving and unaccountable international 
     bureaucracies. The result is a lose-lose situation. Giving 
     countries see their own economies depressed by higher taxes 
     and receiving countries find the aid too often enabling 
     strongmen or perpetuating poor policies.
       A far better approach, at least in the public sphere, are 
     initiatives such as President Bush's Millennium Challenge 
     Account. By tying long-term assistance to improvements in 
     specific economic and political goals--such as cracking down 
     on corruption or establishing rules of law--foreign aid 
     brings about real reform. This approach drives U.N. 
     bureaucrats nuts, a sure sign it's on the right track.
       Today's priority in Asia is immediate humanitarian relief. 
     The list of U.S.-based private and religious organizations 
     already working in the area is stunning. And it's good to see 
     the U.S. decision effectively to go around U.N. bureaucracy 
     by working directly with a coalition of Japan, Australia and 
     India to coordinate relief. Meanwhile, we can expect the 
     federal government to continue its tradition of generosity in 
     the upcoming weeks--a tradition that resulted in $2.4 billion 
     in humanitarian relief last year along, or 40% of the world 
     total.
       But future money, both public and private, should be aimed 
     at developing the sort of governments and economies that will 
     be equipped to deal with disasters on their own.

  Mr. LANTOS. Mr. Speaker, we have no additional requests for time. In 
concluding, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
  I again want to express my deep appreciation to my friend and 
distinguished colleague, the chairman of our committee, the gentleman 
from Illinois (Mr. Hyde). I want to say that all of us here are 
profoundly proud of the generosity of the American people, the 
generosity of our government, and the extraordinary skill and heroism 
of our military in facing up to this crisis. Those who cannot get over 
their mindless anti-Americanism should look at what the American 
people, the American government, and our military have done in the last 
few days concerning this crisis, and they will need to rethink their 
mindless hatred of this great Nation.
  Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.
  Mr. HYDE. Mr. Speaker, I am very pleased to yield 3 minutes to the 
gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Weller).
  Mr. WELLER. Mr. Speaker, I stand in support of H.R. 12 expressing the 
condolences of this House and the support for the people of the 
countries that have been impacted by the tsunami in Asia.
  A friend of our country, Sri Lanka, was one of the countries most 
devastated. Sadly, Sri Lanka lost at least 30,000 of its citizens, and 
that toll may rise well into the 40,000 range. I serve as co-chairman 
of the Sri Lanka Caucus in the House and I have traveled personally to 
Sri Lanka. I have seen firsthand many of the areas now devastated by 
the tsunami, and my heart and prayers and those of my colleagues go out 
to the people of Sri Lanka at this difficult time.
  Today many Americans are still unaccounted for who were in Sri Lanka 
when this tragedy struck, but as we deal with that loss and also work 
to help the nearly 1 million living survivors who are now displaced in 
Sri Lanka, we continue to move forward and we want to express our 
support.
  Secretary of State Colin Powell plans to be in Sri Lanka this Friday 
to express our support and to see firsthand what more we can do, and I 
am proud of the support that the United States Government has been 
providing. In the early hours of the day after Christmas, top U.S. 
Government officials began the work of aiding Sri Lanka and the entire 
region, immediately moving money to the affected areas and sending out 
teams to survey the damage for accurate assessment of needs. To date 
our President, President Bush, has pledged $350 million in relief in 
recovery assistance, and already $13 million has been allocated to our 
friend Sri Lanka alone.
  The Department of Defense and USAID have established a regional 
coordination center in Sri Lanka to coordinate our relief efforts to 
the region as well as this friendly country. Hundreds of USAID and 
military personnel are on the ground in Sri Lanka helping to assist the 
relief efforts. I would also note that the men and women of the United 
States military are fully engaged helping Sri Lanka. In this region, 
the United States has committed a vast majority of military assets to 
the region: 20 ships, 14 strategic lift cargo planes, and 48 
helicopters. The USS Bonhomme Richard Expeditionary Strike Group is in 
route to Sri Lanka, as well as a ship capable of producing 90,000 
gallons of fresh water every day. We have also instituted a cash for 
work program, helping the local economy and cleanup efforts at the same 
time.
  Mr. Speaker, there is so much that we can do, and I want to thank our 
friends in the private sector who have stepped forward. We in the 
United States are doing our part and we want to do more. We are working 
in partnership with the world in this effort to aid Sri Lanka, and the 
Indian government in particular has been very helpful in the Sri Lanka 
mission.
  The United States will continue to help Sri Lanka and the entire 
region as long as needs are there. We stand in support and we express 
our condolences, and our prayers go out to the people of Sri Lanka.
  Mr. REYES. Mr. Speaker, like people everywhere, I mourn the 
devastation and loss of life caused by the massive tsunami in South 
Asia. The enormity of the disaster is staggering and I extend my 
condolences to those around the world touched by this tragedy. My 
thoughts and prayers are with the victims and their families in this 
time of overwhelming need.
  I applaud the outpouring of support by the many nations, 
organizations and individuals across the world who have responded 
quickly to the disaster. By working together, we will help rebuild the 
lives of the residents of South Asia.
  I will travel to South Asia next week and, through the generosity of 
numerous hospitals in my district of El Paso, Texas, will deliver 
medical supplies to assist in some small way with the relief and 
rebuilding process.
  Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support the resolution before us 
today, and ask all Americans to continue to keep the victims of this 
terrible tragedy in their prayers.
  Mr. FARR. Mr. Speaker, on behalf of myself, my family and the 
constituents of the 17th District of California, I would like to 
express our heartfelt condolences to the victims and their families of 
the tsunami natural disaster. As the number of victims continues to 
increase, America is united in mourning the staggering loss of lives--
many, many of whom are children.
  In the last week, the millions of people affected by the tsunami have 
faced terrifying obstacles. But the global community stands in 
solidarity with the 12 affected nations. While the United States and 
other governments have promised humanitarian aid, private citizens in 
the United States have also shown an amazing outpouring of generosity 
and compassion. In my own congressional district, which has experienced 
a number of natural disasters, a number of compassionate people are 
reaching out to the South Asia disaster victims. For example, the 
Salinas Rotary Club, along with other Rotary Clubs across the country, 
is organizing to supply ``Shelter Boxes'' that contain basic 
necessities like tents and sleeping bags.
  Humanitarian assistance is desperately needed on an unprecedented 
global scale. The international community has pledged $2 billion, with 
a contribution of $350 million from the United States, but it is clear 
that more will

[[Page 81]]

be required of many. I intend to support an emergency funding bill for 
U.S. tsunami aid and I urge the President and the Republican leadership 
to be generous, as the world community was to the United States in the 
wake of 9/11.
  In addition to our efforts to help the survivors of this tragedy, we 
must also work to ensure that we can better alert people to similar 
events in the future. The United States should lead the world in 
implementing a global ocean observing system. The recently-released 
U.S. Commission on Ocean Policy final report noted the importance of 
using observation systems to help us to prevent the loss of life and 
property and be better stewards of the oceans. One of my priorities in 
the coming year will be to continue pushing for implementation of the 
U.S. Commission recommendations.
  Millions of people were left homeless and facing terrifying obstacles 
as a result of this tsunami. But I hope they can take some solace in 
knowing that people across the globe stand in solidarity with them. Not 
only have governments promised extensive support, but private citizens 
everywhere are digging into their own pockets to give what they can. 
This outpouring of generosity and compassion is amazing and 
reaffirming. No matter cultural differences or physical distance, in 
times of crisis we always come together to help one another. As the New 
Year begins, I pray for the quick recovery of those affected by the 
disaster and hope that the compassion shown during this crisis 
continues far into the future.
  Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise to support the 
resolution and join all Americans in an expression of condolences to 
the people and countries that have been devastated by last week's 
tsunami. In particular, I want to offer my personal sympathy to: 
Ambassador Sen of India, Ambassador Brotodiningrat of Indonesia, 
Ambassador Subasinghe of Sri Lanka, and Ambassador Piromya of Thailand.
  Tsunamis are walls of water that inundate coastal areas with little 
or no warning, often taking many lives and causing extensive property 
damage. They are initiated by sudden underwater disruptions and in this 
regard they differ from wind generated waves because the power they 
pack is not limited to the surface. Tsunamis are usually started as a 
result of an undersea earthquake, which for years was considered to be 
the sole cause of tsunamis. Research is now showing that tsunami 
generation involves intricate interactions between earthquakes, 
landslides, and sympathetic vibrations between the quake and the ocean 
above it.
  Tsunamis have been known since 426 B.C., and between 1990 and 2001 
there were 11 major tsunami events in the Pacific Rim, killing over 
4,000 people and causing hundreds of millions in property damage. 
Before this week, the most devastating tsunami occurred in 1755 in the 
Atlantic which killed 60,000 people and destroyed much of Lisbon. By 
comparison, the death toll from the Banda Aceh tsunami could exceed 
150,000 on top of the unthinkable numbers of displaced, orphaned, and 
injured. Subsequent disease and untreated injuries will undoubtedly add 
to these statistics.
  The President has already pledged $350 million in direct support to 
the affected countries on top of the medical, infrastructure, and 
logistics support from the U.S. Military. I want to encourage my 
colleagues in the Congress to work together as we did last fall to 
provide nearly $14 billion in relief to the Southeastern states and 
Caribbean nations following the four devastating hurricanes.
  Former Presidents Clinton and Bush are leading the Nation's private 
fundraising activities, and I want to ask all Americans, to contribute 
whatever they can to the relief efforts for what is likely history's 
most deadly natural disaster.
  Beyond these immediate needs, I want to encourage you to work with me 
in developing programs that will help to minimize losses suffered in 
future natural disasters. The National Oceanographic and Atmospheric 
Administration and the U.S. Geological Survey lead the United States in 
the research, monitoring, and warning of tsunamis and other natural 
disasters. For example, the Deep-ocean Assessment and Reporting of 
Tsunamis Project (DART) can detect ocean level anomalies as small as 
\1/2\ inch in 20,000 feet of water to determine if a tsunami event is 
occurring in the deep sea. This system was useful to avoid a false 
alarm in response to an Alaskan earthquake in 2001. DART stations cost 
about $250,000 to purchase and around $125,000 per year to maintain. 
Stations are now located off the coasts of Alaska, the Pacific 
Northwest, and Chile, but we need to consider how this system can be 
expanded to other parts of the world.
  Even with detection systems such as DART, notification alarms and 
awareness programs must be implemented for them to be effective. The 
first waves took 2-3 hours to hit Phuket (Thailand), Sri Lanka, and 
India after the initiating quakes. Even a few minutes of warning can 
make a huge difference if preceded with the proper awareness training. 
For example a 1993 tsunami followed an earthquake in Japan by a mere 6 
minutes. Although 200 people perished, 1,200 people escaped the waves 
by running inland as soon as they felt the shaking.
  Research on the causes of tsunamis is also needed. One of the most 
severe tsunamis in recent history occurred in Papua New Guinea in July 
1998. The initiating earthquake was unexceptional at a magnitude of 
7.1--the size of an earthquake that strikes somewhere in the world 
about every 3 weeks. Geological modeling strongly suggested that the 
quake caused an underwater landslide that together triggered the 
exceptional size tsunami. Other preliminary research indicates that 
under some conditions, tsunamis may be detectable from aircraft or 
satellites using radar or radiometers miles away from coastal areas.
  In this regard, I look forward to working with the Science Committee 
to identify opportunities for natural disaster detection and warning, 
and I look forward to hearing tomorrow's briefing from Dr. David 
Applegate from USGS and General D.L. Johnson from NOAA.
  In addition to these financial and research initiatives, I want to 
remind my colleagues of the friends and families of the victims within 
the United States who also need our assistance.
  Many nationals from affected countries that reside in the United 
States on either a permanent or temporary basis. Some have no one left 
to provide monetary support and no home due to demolition by the 
violent waves and flooding. It is in the spirit of rebuilding and 
internationalism that I will introduce legislation to give nationals 
from affected countries that reside in the United States an opportunity 
to establish eligibility for Temporary Protected Status (TPS).
  This legislation would grant TPS to eligible nationals from specified 
countries who presently reside in the United States. TPS relief under 
this proposal will provide a necessary but temporary respite from 
deportation that will permit eligible applicants to work and live 
lawfully in the United States pending the restoration of a habitable 
homeland that is not laden with disease. Additionally, this proposal 
will allow eligible aliens to travel abroad and to return to the United 
States and be treated the same as any returning alien provided TPS--
which will be helpful to family members of tsunami victims. I ask all 
of you to support this legislation and to join together in pledging the 
maximum level of resources to make the recovery of the affected areas 
expedient.
  Mr. HONDA. Mr. Speaker, I join my House colleagues in extending 
condolences to the victims of the earthquake and tsunamis that recently 
battered South and Southeast Asia as well as parts of East Africa. 
Generated by a magnitude 9.0 earthquake on December 26, massive 
tsunamis devastated whole villages in Thailand, Indonesia, Sri Lanka, 
and India.
  The degree of this calamity has shocked and saddened all Americans, 
and I am pleased that through their representatives, the American 
people have an opportunity to formally express their grief for the more 
than 150,000 people who perished.
  Our sorrow for those lost, however, should not distract us from the 
immediate humanitarian crisis gripping the region. The World Health 
Organization (WHO) has suggested that between three to five million 
people lack basic survival requirements, including access to clean 
water, adequate shelter, food, sanitation, and health care.
  The WHO is also warning of an imminent health crisis, as contaminated 
water sources increase the risk of cholera, dysentery, malaria, and 
dengue fever.
  As the world community responds to this natural disaster, I hope and 
expect that the United States Government and the American people will 
be on the forefront of efforts to provide immediate and long-term aid. 
President Bush has so far committed $350 million for disaster relief, 
and I am hopeful that this amount will increase as we get a clearer 
picture of the devastation that has taken place.
  In the meantime, U.S. Government agencies are on the ground. The U.S. 
Air Force has transported 43,000 lbs of food, supplies, and equipment 
to the region, and helicopters from the USS Abraham Lincoln are 
shuttling supplies into northern Sumatra. The Defense Department is 
deploying Navy and Marine Corps supply ships and dispatching military 
medical teams to the most isolated and hard-hit areas.
  In addition, USAID, the federal agency responsible for the 
distribution of foreign aid, is now assessing the damage and individual

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country needs. These assessments will help better direct the emergency 
aid that is already flowing to the region. USAID will also identify the 
long-term goals to rebuild local economies, housing and infrastructure.
  The President has also enlisted former Presidents George H.W. Bush 
and Bill Clinton to lead nationwide private fundraising efforts which 
are sure to generate large amounts of private donations. The American 
people are compassionate, and they will certainly give generously to 
help tsunami victims regain their health and their livelihoods.
  My thoughts and prayers go out to all those impacted by the tsunamis, 
including the estimated 5,000 Americans in the region who have not yet 
been heard from. I urge my colleagues to support this resolution.
  Mr. WEXLER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today with a heavy heart to share my 
condolences with the victims of the tsunami in South Asia. The 
magnitude of destruction and devastation left in the wake of this 
tragic disaster is incomprehensible. I join all Americans who are 
heartbroken by the images of towns and villages washed away and of the 
thousands of orphaned children who will grow up as survivors of this 
disaster.
  As the United States and the international community work to provide 
relief for the victims of this tragedy, I urge my colleagues to ensure 
that our efforts to assist in the reconstruction not be short-lived. 
While it is imperative that we immediately provide the necessary funds 
for relief work and humanitarian aid, we must ensure that as we assist 
in this recovery effort, and provide long term assistance to rebuild 
the infrastructure and communities devastated by this disaster. Beyond 
financial and humanitarian assistance, the United States must lead an 
international effort to implement a global tsunami warning and 
detection system so we can avoid future tragedies.
  During this time of recovery, governments and citizens from around 
the world have worked together to help those in need, regardless of 
politics, race and religion. It is my sincere hope that out of this 
tragic situation a lasting spirit of cooperation and mutual respect can 
emerge. Hopefully this unprecedented cooperation can be used as a 
trigger to jumpstart the prospects for peace and coexistence throughout 
the region.
  My thoughts and prayers are with the victims and their families.
  Mr. DeLAY. Mr. Speaker, it is a peculiar and embarrassing mark of 
man's fallen nature that so often it takes tragedy for human beings to 
see past our differences and into each others' hearts. Two weeks ago, a 
tragedy of incomprehensible magnitude struck our brothers and sisters 
on the other side of the world. It was the day after Christmas, 
actually, when much of the world was still celebrating, that an 
earthquake beneath the Indian Ocean set off massive tsunamis that have 
devastated island and coastal countries in southeast Asia and east 
Africa. The sum total of those killed, injured, diseased, and orphaned 
by the tsunami is larger than the populations of many countries. And 
yet, it is also a mark of the dignity of man that, in the face of such 
tragedy, we do see beyond our differences--cultural, political, 
religious--and see to it, with all our strength, that right is done.
  The tsunami's waters will recede, Mr. Speaker, but the waves of 
prayers, love, and generous support--already making their way over the 
ocean--will not. Nor will the attention of the world--nor the attention 
of this body--until the victim nations recover.
  As we meet today, millions of people have been displaced from their 
homes and communities, and millions more are without the basic needs of 
survival--food, shelter, clean water, and health care. Countless 
children have lost their parents, and are now at the mercy of, at best, 
the crippled social institutions of their homelands, and at worst, we 
now learn, human traffickers. When faced by devastation and misery of 
this magnitude, when we see the grief of parents who had to choose 
which of their children to save, or hear stories of entire villages 
destroyed by the waves, there seems so little we can do.
  But on the contrary, Mr. Speaker, there is so much we must do. 
President Bush has pledged $350 million in relief and recovery 
assistance, dispatched Secretary of State Powell and Florida Governor 
Bush to the region to assess the situation, and tasked former 
Presidents Clinton and Bush to lead American fund raising for the 
relief effort. Thousands of our armed forces and America's civilian 
relief agencies are already on the scene helping the relief effort--
transporting food, medical supplies, mobile hospitals, and water-
purifying equipment to the scene. And the generosity of the American 
people will continue to lead the way in the recovery, and in the effort 
to mitigate the long-term consequences of the disaster. The waters will 
recede, and life will one day return to normal. All humanity's mission 
is to bring that day about before another life is needlessly lost. And 
the world should know that the American people and their Congress will 
help until no more help is needed.
  Ms. SLAUGHTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to express my most sincere 
condolences to everyone affected by the devastating tsunami that 
ravaged Southeast Asia on December 26. My thoughts and prayers go out 
to those who perished that day and to their families.
  The destructive tsunami that shook Southeast Asia claimed the lives 
of over 156,000. Just this morning, I read the heart-wrenching story of 
a 13-year-old boy in Indonesia who lost his father, mother, and brother 
to the shocking natural disaster. Countless other families have been 
altered: thousands of children have lost their mothers and fathers, 
parents have lost their sons and daughters, men and women have lost 
their husbands and wives. The world has not seen a tragedy of this 
magnitude in decades, and my heart breaks for those who grieve the 
death of their family and friends.
  Despite the horrendous impact of this overwhelming tragedy, I am 
moved by the international outpouring of support and compassion to help 
the tsunami victims as they struggle to overcome the loss of loved ones 
and piece their lives together. The people of the world and of 
Southeast Asia have come together to take care of one another. 
Strangers, who themselves are struggling to find sufficient food and 
clean water, are taking in orphans who lost their families. 
International aid workers from countries, rich and poor, and large and 
small, have traveled to Southeast Asia to help provide essential 
materials to tsunami victims.
  Back in my district, a telethon hosted by a local television station 
along with efforts of the local branch of the American Red Cross helped 
Rochesterians raise $365,000 to help fund the disaster relief efforts. 
In Buffalo, various religious organizations have come together to raise 
money. The India Association of Buffalo raised $38,000 in a benefit 
held last Thursday and plans to continue fundraising.
  The number of people attempting to give money overwhelmed charity 
organizations collecting money for tsunami relief. Donations have 
ranged from $10 to thousands of dollars, and people from all economic 
brackets are giving what they can to help alleviate the suffering of 
their fellow fathers, mothers, husbands, wives, and children.
  When speaking of international natural disaster relief, President 
Dwight Eisenhower once said, ``These are deeds of peace. They speak 
more loudly than promises or protestations of peaceful intent.'' I hope 
that the worldwide generosity will continue until the need no longer 
exists, and that the solidarity among people from around the world will 
persist.
  Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, today I rise representing the great 
people of South Florida and join with them in extending our most 
heartfelt condolences and thoughts to the people who have been 
devastated by the most recent tsunami in Asia. We offer them our 
prayers.
  Mr. Speaker, as the world continues to focus on the wrath of this 
dreadful disaster, it is important to remember the people who have 
perished. It is important to help the people who have survived and are 
now picking up the pieces and restarting their lives.
  Across 11 nations, over 155,000 people are dead and millions were 
left homeless. These incredulous numbers, rising by the day, hide the 
human facet of this appalling disaster. Countless images of men and 
women holding their children tight, frantically running towards the 
helicopters with aid. Never-ending lines of families hoping for clean 
water and food. Thousands upon thousands of men, women and children 
desperately looking among the rubble upon what was once their homes and 
lives.
  Mr. Speaker, this catastrophe is one of unbelievable magnitude and 
challenges all nations to join in the relief efforts. I am proud of our 
brave men and women in the military who are currently manning the 
lifeline to the devastated regions. From the crew of the USS Lincoln to 
the Seahawk pilots, these young Americans continue to show the 
generosity--the heart and conscience of--our Nation. I am also 
tremendously proud of the volunteers across the globe who, in a 
moment's notice, picked up and journeyed to Asia to help in any way 
they could. I applaud President Bush's decision to call upon former 
Presidents Clinton and Bush to raise money for victims.
  As we know Mr. Speaker, the greatest source of America's generosity--
our essence--is not our government; it's the heart of the American 
people. I call upon all Americans to give and give generously to 
organizations that are on the ground, helping the countless victims in 
the devastated region. In South Florida, organizations such as the 
American Red

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Cross of Greater Miami & The Keys, The Association of Indians in 
America, Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Miami, and the 
Greater Miami Jewish Federation; to name a few.
  Mr. Speaker, we in Congress also have an obligation to help the 
people who have been devastated by the tsunami. As the newly selected 
co-chair of the India Caucus, I am confident that Congress will do its 
part in bringing assistance to the peoples of the regions that were 
hit. In India itself Mr. Speaker, the government increased its death 
toll to 9,571 dead and also raised its missing total to 5,914 people 
missing. As horrific as these numbers are, it is encouraging to hear of 
the joint cooperation between our two peoples and nations. The joint 
cooperation between the two nations to aid the people of India is 
clearly evident Mr. Speaker, as the Navies of India and the United 
States continue to work together and share information. America stands 
ready to aid the people of India.
  Again, I would like to extend our deep condolence to the families of 
the many earthquake and tsunami victims. We also affirm our commitment 
to the peoples of the affected regions and urge continued attention by 
relief agencies to the needs of the vulnerable populations. Our prayers 
and thoughts are with the victims of this horrible devastation.
  Mr. ACKERMAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of the resolution 
expressing support and condolences to the victims of the earthquake and 
tsunami in South and Southeast Asia. I also want to commend Chairman 
Hyde and Ranking Member Lantos for their leadership on the resolution.
  Mr. Speaker, the people of South and Southeast Asia are faced with a 
natural disaster of an unprecedented scale. Over 150,000 people are 
dead and the World Health Organization estimates that between 3 and 5 
million people are lacking basic survival requirements. Unfortunately, 
these numbers seem to rise with each passing day. Our condolences and 
prayers go out to all of those who have been affected by this deeply 
personal tragedy. But beyond our prayers, the people affected will need 
the assistance of the international community to prevent the outbreak 
of disease which threatens to take as many lives as the tsunami.
  The humanitarian response by the affected governments, the United 
Nations, and NGOs working in the region has been impressive in the face 
of tremendous need and daunting logistics. The outpouring of private 
contributions from all over the world should reaffirm our faith in 
humanity. But the magnitude of the need will remain long after the 
initial humanitarian response has provided people with shelter, food, 
clean water, and medical care.
  The $2 billion already pledged by the United States and other donors 
is an excellent down-payment, but I think we are only beginning to 
glimpse the massive undertaking that reconstruction will be. I hope 
that the House will rapidly consider the legislation that Chairman Hyde 
and Mr. Lantos are working on to provide substantial emergency 
assistance to the affected survivors, to help them rebuild their homes 
and their lives.
  Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support the resolution and to 
commit themselves to supporting the additional relief we can certainly 
expect to be necessary.
  Mr. MEEKS of New York. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to offer my 
condolences to the hundreds of thousands affected by the tsunami in 
Indonesia, Sri Lanka, India, Thailand, Somalia, Malaysia, and other 
countries.
  December 26 will ever be a day etched in our memories and in our 
hearts as we struggle to comprehend the magnitude of loss associated 
with this disaster.
  Our great country is often viewed as a leader in the world and I know 
that the President will ensure that our country maintains this role by 
mobilizing the necessary humanitarian and economic assistance for both 
immediate and long-term relief, whether it be the $350 million already 
pledged or more as each day brings us a deeper understanding of the 
total impact of this disaster.
  We have long held prosperous relationships on economic and security 
issues with many of the countries that have been affected such as India 
and Malaysia.
  If we fail to adequately meet the needs of those affected by 
committing to advancing a strong recovery in both the Asian and African 
nations that have been affected, the long-term worldwide economic and 
political consequences of this natural disaster could be even more 
severe.
  Mr. CARDIN. Mr. Speaker, I rise to express my deepest condolences and 
support to those affected by the earthquake-generated tsunamis that 
struck numerous countries in South Asia and East Africa on December 26, 
2004. This enormous natural disaster, which has so far claimed more 
than 150,000 lives, including many Americans, requires a robust 
response from the international community.
  I am pleased that the United States is taking a leading role in the 
relief and recovery efforts. We should continue to partner with the 
United Nations, non-governmental organizations, and other members of 
the international community to render humanitarian assistance 
throughout the region. I look forward to working in Congress to 
increase America's contributions to this effort as additional needs 
required for long-term rebuilding are identified.
  Over the past 10 days, the outpouring of condolences and financial 
support from the American people has been tremendous. The efforts of 
the thousands of Americans who are giving of their time, money, and 
resources are truly reflective of the American spirit, and they 
exemplify our Nation's values and ideals. I join with my colleagues 
today in support of the House resolution.
  Mr. BACA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay my respects and give my 
deepest condolences to those who have suffered through one of the worst 
natural disasters in history.
  As our Nation celebrated the holiday season with our loved ones, a 
tragedy of epic proportions was occurring half a world away. An 
earthquake with a magnitude of 9.0 off the coast of Indonesia triggered 
a massive tsunami that engulfed several countries throughout South and 
Southeast Asia. The total aftermath is not yet known as the number of 
lives lost continues to rise to immeasurable levels.
  Though this tragic disaster destroyed lives, families, and entire 
economies, it did not destroy the strength of character and sense of 
purpose displayed by the victims who continue to fight daily for 
survival. The victims of this tsunami are not alone in their struggle. 
Across our great Nation, Americans, together with the world community, 
have exhibited their generosity of spirit as they pray for the 
suffering families and continue to give monetary assistance to those in 
need.
  More than 150,000 people have been killed with millions more 
affected. These numbers are already impossible to comprehend yet 
countless others are missing.
  We are now presented with a defining historical moment as a nation 
and as an international community. We must share the fiscal and 
emotional burden that will only get worse for our brothers and sisters 
in Southeast Asia. We cannot under-fund, undercut, or undermine our 
relief efforts by failing to follow through on our promises as a 
government or our compassion as Americans.
  9/11 will always be remembered in our nation as a time of crisis and 
devastation, yet also a time of perseverance and unity. We survived 
this horrific event because of the resolve exhibited by our Nation's 
people and the support received from the international community. The 
tragedy that has struck Southeast Asia is no less of a crisis and no 
less devastating.
  It is the responsibility of the United States and the world community 
to continue the aid and assistance of these countries during their time 
of need. During times of crises are when the integrity of a nation and 
its people are judged in history. I am encouraged by the overwhelming 
response and generosity shown by the people across this world. It is 
the human way to respond; it is the American way to respond.
  Ms. McCOLLUM of Minnesota. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H. 
Res. 12, expressing support to the victims of the tragic earthquake and 
tsunami that occurred on December 26, 2004. I offer my deepest 
condolences to the people of Indonesia, Thailand, Sri Lanka, and India, 
along with all of the children and families across South Asia and 
Eastern Africa, in the wake of this devastating event.
  The toll taken by this tragic earthquake and tsunami is staggering: 
More than 150,000 dead, thousands still missing, and 5 million lacking 
basic survival necessities like clean water, food and shelter, and 
healthcare. The world endured the largest earthquake since 1900 and the 
tsunami that followed took the lives of children, their parents, 
tourists and entire families. This is a region ill-prepared for such a 
colossal and devastating natural occurrence. It is a human tragedy of 
epic proportions.
  In response, the world community has embarked on a massive 
humanitarian relief effort unparalleled in the history of disaster 
relief. To date, the United States and other donors have pledged an 
estimated $2 billion in emergency and reconstruction assistance.
  As the wealthiest nation in the world, the United States must lead 
the effort to provide humanitarian assistance. A once belated and 
undervalued response by the United States must now be erased with 
aggressive and generous action. I call on Congress to swiftly authorize 
and appropriate the $350 million

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pledged by the President so it can be delivered promptly to those who 
need it immediately.
  I also call on the President to ensure that the money he pledged to 
provide humanitarian relief in the wake of this disaster does not come 
at the expense of existing international aid programs assisting 
millions of people across the globe. These programs, for example, help 
AIDS orphans, victims of drought, war refugees and the families in Iraq 
and Afghanistan that are rebuilding their homes and communities. Our 
assistance in these areas must remain a priority.
  The tragic loss of human life and destruction from the earthquake and 
tsunami unite the United States and the entire international community 
in solidarity and support. My thoughts and prayers go out to the 
victims of this terrible tragedy and I pledge my continued support and 
help for their families and the hundreds of relief workers who have 
come to their aid.
  Ms. DeLAURO. Mr. Speaker, I rise with the heaviest of hearts. For the 
past week, our thoughts and prayers have been with the victims and 
survivors of the tsunami in the Indian Ocean. From Malaysia to East 
Africa, the death toll has climbed to a staggering 150,000, with tens 
of thousands still missing. At least 5 million people are displaced 
from their homes and many face the risk of diseases such as cholera, 
typhoid, hepatitis, E. coli, and salmonella in the very near term. It 
is a natural disaster of Biblical proportions.
  As such, the community of nations is coming together to assist the 
recovery efforts. Governments from around the world have already 
offered more than $2 billion in aid to countries hit by the disaster. 
Private citizens are also doing their part--since the tsunami struck, 
donations from Americans have poured in to relief organizations, with 
more to come. Just yesterday, President Bush announced that former 
Presidents Bush and Clinton would head an effort to encourage more 
American citizens and businesses to donate to nongovernment and 
international organizations working to provide immediate relief and to 
help with long-term reconstruction in the affected areas.
  Our participation tells the world that we understand the gravity of 
this situation--as Americans and as humanitarians alike. With 
destruction so complete--so terrifyingly final--in many of these areas, 
our leadership shows them that we understand, the nature of our role in 
this relief effort--and that our commitment will be long-term. Just as 
the nations of the world came to our side after the tragedy of 
September 11, so, too, is it our moral duty to help these nations in 
their time of desperate need.
  And so today, overwhelmed with emotion regarding the disaster, we 
extend our helping hand and express our deepest sympathies to the 
people of these nations, who have lost more than words can ever say. 
They are in our thoughts and prayers.
  Ms. LEE. Mr. Speaker, I rise to join my colleagues and all Americans 
to express my deepest sympathy for the victims and the displaced 
families affected by the earthquake and resulting tsunami in southern 
Asia on December 26, 2004.
  While the tidal wave wreaked a path of destruction that was felt from 
Indonesia all the way to eastern Africa, the devastation rippled all 
the way around the world, including my district in San Francisco's East 
Bay area. As one of the most ethnically diverse districts in the 
nation, hundreds of my constituents have family and friends in affected 
regions of India, Sri Lanka, Thailand, and Indonesia. My thoughts and 
prayers go out to them, also.
  Mr. Speaker, to date, it is estimated that over 140,000 children, 
women, and men perished in this terrible natural disaster. I am 
heartened by the outpouring of international aid in the wake of the 
disaster--including the $350 million pledged by President Bush on 
behalf of the American people. We must do everything in our power to 
ensure that emergency aid and supplies to the estimated 3 to 5 million 
displaced survivors reach all those in need. But in the coming months, 
when reports of the tragic disaster begin to recede from the headlines 
of the world's newspapers, we must make sure that development aid to 
the region continues to support the reconstruction effort.
  Our efforts today will ensure that the generation of children who 
lost a parent or guardian or were left orphaned will grow up in a world 
where it is important to help your neighbor. It is important to care.
  Mr. HYDE. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. Renzi). Without objection, the previous 
question is ordered on the resolution.
  There was no objection.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The question is on the resolution.
  The resolution was agreed to.
  A motion to reconsider was laid on the table.

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