Statements made on the Floor of the Senate

S. RES. 356

Urging a commitment by the United States and the international community to continue relief efforts in response to the earthquake in South Asia and to help rebuild critical infrastructure in the affected areas. 

IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES

JANUARY 27, 2006

Ms. MIKULSKI (for herself, Mr. LUGAR, Mr. SARBANES, Mr. BIDEN, and Mr. HARKIN) submitted the following resolution; which was considered and agreed to

RESOLUTION

Urging a commitment by the United States and the international community to continue relief efforts in response to the earthquake in South Asia and to help rebuild

critical infrastructure in the affected areas. Whereas on October 8, 2005, a magnitude 7.6 earthquake struck Pakistan, India, and Afghanistan;

Whereas the epicenter of the earthquake was located near Muzaffarabad, approximately 60 miles north-northeast of Islamabad, with aftershocks and landslides continuing to

affect the area;

Whereas more than 75,000 people have died, including approximately

17,000 children, nearly 70,000 people are injured and approximately 3,000,000 people are homeless as a result of the earthquake;

Whereas the United States has pledged a total of $510,000,000 in assistance to the affected areas, including $300,000,000 for relief and reconstruction, $110,000,000 to support Department of Defense relief operations, and at least $100,000,000 in anticipated contributions from private entities in the United States;

Whereas, as of January 25, 2006, the total amount of humanitarian assistance provided to Pakistan by the United States Agency for International Development is more

than $66,500,000;

Whereas the Department of Defense has deployed approximately 875 members of the Armed Forces and 31 helicopters to aid in the earthquake relief efforts;

Whereas since October 8, 2005, United States helicopters have flown more than 3,200 missions, evacuated approximately 3,800 people, and delivered nearly 15,000,000

pounds of supplies;

Whereas the cost of rebuilding the affected areas could be more than $5,000,000,000;

Whereas Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice, during her October 12, 2005 visit to Pakistan, said the United States would support the efforts of the Government of Pakistan

over the long-term to provide assistance to the victims of the earthquake and rebuild areas of the country devastated by the earthquake;

Whereas the robust humanitarian response of the Government of the United States to the earthquake disaster has made an impact on the Government and people of Pakistan and demonstrates the United States commitment to Pakistan and the well-being of its residents;

Whereas the United States humanitarian mission in Pakistan may impact positively on the way Americans are viewed, especially in areas where the population may oppose

United States counterterrorism policies and where radical groups and affiliates of known terrorist organizations are conducting high-profile relief efforts; and

Whereas the results of a poll taken by the nonprofit organization Terror Free Tomorrow show that, at the end of November 2005, more than 46 percent of Pakistanis had a

favorable view of the United States, double the percentage of Pakistanis that held that view in May 2005:

Now, therefore, be it

Resolved, That the Senate—

(1) commends the members of the United States Armed Forces and civilian employees of the  Department of State and the United States Agency for International Development for their swift and  sustained efforts to assist the victims of the earthquake in South Asia that occurred on October 8, 2005;

(2) commends the Governments of Pakistan and India for working together to save lives and provide humanitarian relief in the affected areas and encourages them to continue in this spirit of cooperation;

 (3) commends the international community, including nongovernmental organizations, private corporations, and individual citizens, for responding swiftly and generously to the relief and recovery effort;

(4) urges continued attention by international donors and relief agencies to the needs of vulnerable populations in the stricken areas, particularly the thousands of children who have been left parentless and homeless by the disaster; and

(5) urges the Government of the United States to take the lead in encouraging the international community to commit to continue relief efforts in response to the earthquake in South Asia and to help rebuild critical infrastructure in the affected areas.

Statement of Senator George Allen Pakistan Earthquake Relief

Mr. President, I rise today to salute the outstanding Ambassadors for our enduring principles of freedom, justice, and individual rights – our brave men and women in uniform who show the heart of America by their good deeds.   

As the Iraqi people slowly count the ballots from their historic Parliamentary election, we are reminded once again of America’s far-reaching power to be a force for good in this world.  Over the past two and a half years, our brave soldiers have fought courageously and nobly sacrificed to extend the sphere of liberty into what was – up until their arrival – one of the darkest, most despotic alleys on Earth.  Their heroic work has helped deliver a new free and just country into the family of nations.   

We here at home watch the developments in Iraq with a feeling of pride.  We’re proud of our troops who have borne so much to advance the cause of freedom.  We’re proud of the Iraqi people, who risked their own lives to cast ballots three times this year for a better future.  And we’re proud of the heritage of our country – from the American Revolutionary secession from the British monarchy to the Second World War against fascism to the Cold War against imperial communism to today’s fight against global terrorists, America has been the Shining City on a Hill – an ally to all men and women – on every continent, in every country – who yearn to breathe free. 

In addition to Iraq, we have extended our hand of friendship to the people of Pakistan.  A little more than 2 months ago, a devastating earthquake ripped through northern Pakistan.  The toll from this tragedy is almost impossible to comprehend: 79,000 men and women lost their lives, an additional 72,000 were injured, and a total of 2.9 million people are now homeless.  

Last month, my wife Susan co-chaired a charity event near our home in Virginia to raise money for the earthquake victims. She then joined me when I traveled to Pakistan to visit some of the victims, and the twelve hundred U.S. troops who are now stationed in Pakistan to assist in the recovery.   

We presented a check to the Citizens Foundations charity, which will use the money to rebuild the Bagh School for Girls and other schools.  When we visited a Pakistani classroom for children needing medical treatment, we saw children on the floor, singing in English, learning new words, and painting artwork as well.   On the wall, behind the teacher was a drawing of a green Chinook helicopter; and on the side of the helicopter was a big painted smile across the length of the helicopter.   

That’s the way these young people look at the United States.  They’re looking at these vessels of our military not as weapons of war, but as machines that bring relief, and help.  Later, Susan and I had supper with our troops there at the airfield.  We told them how proud we are of their outstanding relief effort, about what great ambassadors they are, not just for the strength of America, but also for the caring heart of America. 

Today, in Pakistan, the heart of America is needed more than ever.  As international attention fades and funds dry up, millions of earthquake survivors are now facing a harsh, cold winter.  In the remote Himalayan region, villages at altitudes of 5,000 to 7,000 feet will soon be covered in snow.  By leaving the earthquake victims exposed to the Himalayan winter, there is the real risk of seeing perhaps hundreds of thousands of preventable deaths.

We should not let such deaths happen.  And thankfully, avoiding this tragic scenario is in our power.  Our U.S. administration has pledged over $500 million in aid, but these funds are urgently needed today and must reach the devastated people of Pakistan as soon as possible.  

During this holiday season, and beyond, we should continue to help Americans in Louisiana and Mississippi and extend our arms to the people of Pakistan.  By saving hundreds of thousands of lives during the harsh Himalayan winter, we can transform this tragic event into a story of hope, courage and perseverance.  

Thank you, Mr. President.  I yield the floor.

SRES 319 IS

109th CONGRESS

Commending relief efforts in response to the earthquake in South Asia and urging a commitment by the United States and the international community to help rebuild critical infrastructure in the affected areas.

Ms. MIKULSKI submitted the following resolution; which was referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations

Commending relief efforts in response to the earthquake in South Asia and urging a commitment by the United States and the international community to help rebuild critical infrastructure in the affected areas.

Whereas on October 8, 2005, a magnitude 7.6 earthquake struck Pakistan, India, and Afghanistan;

Whereas the epicenter of the earthquake was located near Muzaffarabad, the capital of Pakistani-administered Kashmir, and approximately 60 miles north-northeast of Islamabad, with aftershocks and landslides continuing to affect the area;

Whereas the most affected areas are the North West Frontier Province, Northern Punjab, Pakistani-administered Kashmir, and Indian-administered Kashmir;

Whereas more than 75,000 people have died, nearly 70,000 are injured, and approximately 2,900,000 people are homeless as a result of the earthquake, and, according to the Executive Director of the United Nations Children`s Fund (UNICEF), 17,000 of the dead are children;

Whereas the United States has pledged a total of $156,000,000 to provide assistance in the affected countries, with $50,000,000 to be used for humanitarian relief, $50,000,000 to be used for reconstruction, and $56,000,000 to be used to support Department of Defense relief operations;

Whereas the total amount of humanitarian assistance committed to Pakistan by the United States Agency for International Development is more than $40,000,000;

Whereas the Department of Defense has deployed approximately 875 members of the Armed Forces and 31 helicopters to aid in the earthquake relief efforts;

Whereas since October 8, 2005, United States helicopters have flown more than 1,000 missions, evacuated approximately 3,400 people, and delivered nearly 5,600,000 pounds of supplies;

Whereas the delivery of humanitarian assistance to the affected areas is difficult due to the mountainous terrain, cold weather, and damaged or collapsed infrastructure;

Whereas Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice, during her October 12, 2005, visit to Pakistan, said the United States would support the efforts of the Government of Pakistan over the long-term to provide assistance to the victims of the earthquake and rebuild areas of the country devastated by the earthquake;

Whereas the cost of rebuilding the affected areas could be in excess of $1,000,000,000; and

Whereas the recovery and reconstruction of the areas devastated by the earthquake will require the concerted leadership of the United States working with the governments of the affected countries and the international community: Now, therefore, be it

Resolved, That the Senate--

(1) commends the members of the United States Armed Forces and civilian employees of the Department of State and the United States Agency for International Development for taking swift action to assist the victims of the earthquake in South Asia that occurred on October 8, 2005;

(2) commends the international relief effort that includes the work of individual countries, numerous international organizations, and various relief and nongovernmental entities;

(3) commends the Governments of Pakistan and India for their cooperation in the common cause of saving lives and providing humanitarian relief to people on both sides of the Line of Control;

(4) encourages further cooperation between Pakistan and India on relief operations and efforts to fortify and expand peace and stability in the region as they cope with the impact of the earthquake during the winter of 2005 and the spring of 2006 and seek to rehabilitate the lives of those affected;

(5) urges the United States and the world community to reaffirm their commitment to additional generous support for relief and long-term reconstruction efforts in areas affected by the earthquake; and

(6) urges continued attention by international 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 the disaster.

END
Sen Mikulski, Barbara A. [MD] (introduced 11/17/2005)
Co-Sponsors at the moment are:

Mourning the loss of life caused by the earthquake that occurred on October 8, 2005, in Pakistan and India, expressing the condolences of the American people to the families of the victims, and urging assistance to those affected;  

Whereas on October 8, 2005, a powerful earthquake measuring 7.6 on the Richter Scale occurred in Pakistan and India, centered on the city of Muzaffarabad;  

Whereas the earthquake continuing aftershocks have caused more than 50,000 deaths, resulted in serious injuries to additional tens of thousands of people, and left between 2.5 and 3 million homeless as winter in the affected mountainous region approaches; 

Whereas millions of people throughout the affected region currently lack clean water, food, proper sanitation, basic healthcare, adequate shelter, and other necessities, thereby increasing the risk of additional suffering and death; and 

Whereas the United State and donors from at least 30 other countries have, to date, pledged several hundred million dollars in emergency and long-term reconstruction assistance, and have begun to deliver humanitarian supplies to survivors of the earthquake: Now, therefore, be it 

Resolved, The House of Representatives—

• (1)    mourns the tragic loss of life and horrendous suffereing caused by the earthquake that occurred on October 8, 2005, in Pakistan and India;
• (2)    expresses the deepest condolences of the American people to the families, communities, and governments of tens of thousands of individuals who have lost their lives in this earthquake;
• (3)    welcomes and commends the prompt international humanitarian response to the earthquake by the governments of many countries, the United Nations and other international organizations and nongovernmental organizations;
• (4)    expresses gratitude and respect for the courageous and committed work of all individuals providing aid, relief and assistance, including the United States civilian and military personnel, who are working to save lives and provide relief in the devastated areas; and
• (5)    supports the actions to assist the victims taken by the President and the Government of the United States to provide all appropriate assistance to the governments and people of the affected region.