Pressing Condolences And Support To Indonesia In The Aftermath Of The Earthquake That Struck Sumatra

Floor Speech

Pressing Condolences And Support To Indonesia In The Aftermath Of The Earthquake That Struck Sumatra

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Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.

Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of this resolution, introduced by my good friend and colleague, Dan Burton of Indiana, expressing the condolences of the Congress and the American people regarding the loss of life and property suffered by the people of Indonesia. The devastating earthquake which struck the island of Sumatra on September 30 has reportedly led to the deaths of at least 700 people and the displacement of thousands more from their homes.

The concern and the generosity of the American people is well-known to the people of Indonesia, as demonstrated following the devastating tsunami which struck their country in late December of 2004. The sight of U.S. military personnel engaged in tsunami rescue and relief operations made all Americans proud. The involvement of our two former U.S. Presidents in the Bush-Clinton Tsunami Relief Fund further demonstrated that when a crisis occurs, we are indeed our brothers' and sisters' keeper.

The United States came to Indonesia's assistance once again after this most recent earthquake. We provided $300,000 in immediate response and set aside an additional $3 million for further relief efforts. The U.S. Navy was once again deployed, with three ships being dispatched with helicopters to provide emergency relief and supplies.

We send the relief workers and the people of Indonesia our prayers and our best wishes for a rapid and full recovery as they continue their courageous efforts to assist the injured and to locate the missing.

I urge my colleagues to support this important resolution.

Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

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