CONCERN OVER THE KASHMIR EARTHQUAKE -- (Extensions of Remarks - November 17, 2005)

SPEECH OF

HON. JOHN CONYERS, JR.

OF MICHIGAN
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 17, 2005

• Mr. CONYERS. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to speak on behalf of the earthquake which occurred in Kashmir. On October 8th, a magnitude 7.6 earthquake hit Pakistan, India, Afghanistan. So far, Over 80,000 have perished and three million are homeless. Over half of those who lost their lives were school aged children who were attending school. It is evident a generation of Pakistani`s no longer exist. I am concerned that tens of thousands will also soon perish from weather, disease, and malnutrition.

• Our President, who campaigned as a compassionate conservative, has been wholly inadequate in his response to the crisis in Pakistan. The United Nations has asked for $550 million in emergency aid. Although, we have given only $40 million while our generous citizens have given more than $50 million in relief aid. To date, we have only pledged $150 million for reconstruction when the World Bank estimates Pakistan needs $5.2 Billion. Our government can do much better.

• Last week, the President instructed 5 Fortune 500 CEOs to fundraise for the disaster. This should help. However, we need to show our allies that the U.S. will help them in their time of need. If we are serious about the welfare of the Muslim world and our ally, Pakistan; then we will pledge significantly in the upcoming donor conference this weekend in Islamabad, Pakistan. We proved our great generosity after Tsunami; we need to show it again.