Expressing Sympathy For The Citizens Of The Philippines Dealing With Tropical Storm Ketsana And Typhoon Parma

Floor Speech

Expressing Sympathy For The Citizens Of The Philippines Dealing With Tropical Storm Ketsana And Typhoon Parma

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Mr. ABERCROMBIE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to support H. Res. 800 and extend my sympathies for the citizens of the Philippines dealing with Tropical Storm Ketsana and Typhoon Parma.

With a large Filipino community in Hawaii, and the historical and cultural ties that bind our two countries, the impact of these natural disasters hits close to home. I want to express my sincere condolences to those who have experienced losses in their families and to the many thousands more who are displaced and still struggling with this tragedy. I join my colleagues in our commitment to the relief efforts in the Philippines and in our continued support to the families of the many victims.

U.S. military forces and civilian agencies are supporting local Philippine efforts by distributing relief supplies and assisting in rescuing victims from inundated areas of Manila. As part of this effort, the U.S. Agency for International Development has so far allocated $1.8 million to respond to the disaster. Our Hawaiian ohana stands ready to further assist our friends in the Philippines.

I urge my colleagues to rise in support of this legislation.

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