CAPAC Sends Condolences to Victims of the Tsunamis

Statement

U.S. Rep. Mike Honda (D-CA), Chair of the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus (CAPAC), joined other CAPAC members in sending their deepest sorrows to the victims in the twelve countries in the South and Southeast Asia, as well as East Africa, that were hit by the earthquake and tsunamis on December 26, 2004.

"As Chair of CAPAC, I am deeply saddened by the large scale of this tragedy and the lives that were lost," Congressman Honda said. "As American citizens, we are ready to provide relief assistance and to help rebuild the lives of those affected by the tsunamis."

"I send my condolences to the victims of the tsunamis. Next week, I will have the chance to visit India and Sri Lanka as the Ranking Member of the Subcommittee on Asia and the Pacific with Chairman Leach, and I will be assisting my colleagues in the International Relations Committee to develop an aids package to the victims," said U.S. Rep. Eni Faleomavaega (D-American Samoa).

"My sincere thoughts and prayers go out to all of the victims of this massive tragedy and to their families. I will do what I can to help them, working in concert with my colleagues in the Congress," said U.S. Senator Daniel Akaka (D-HI).

"As I continue to learn of the devastation caused by the tsunami my thoughts and prayers are with those that have been impacted by this tragedy. We must come together as a global community to ensure that there is adequate relief assistance for the millions affected by this disaster," said U.S. Rep. David Wu (D-OR).

"As the closest U.S. jurisdiction to the affected areas, Guam's military and civilian communities have mobilized to provide assistance and relief. Having benefited from the generosity of others when we have faced our own natural disasters, the people of Guam are really reaching out to lend a helping hand," said U.S. Rep. Madeleine Bordallo (D-Guam).

"Having personally lived through the devastation of tsunamis, I know how vital it is that we maximize and focus the tremendous resources of the United States as soon as possible to assist our South Asian neighbors in recovering from this terrible tragedy. Hawaii also stands ready, as an international leader in tsunami research and early warning, to dedicate our expertise to assuring that systems to mitigate the effects of future tsunamis not only in Asia but throughout our world are the best they can be," said U.S. Rep. Ed Case (D-HI).

Relief agencies will continue to collect necessary items for the victims of the tsunamis. For more information on how to help, please go to:

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