Speeches
Pelosi: 'Congress Expresses Its Strong Support for Italy as it Rebuilds After the Earthquake."
06/15/2009
Washington, D.C. – Speaker Nancy Pelosi submitted the following remarks for the Congressional Record, supporting a House resolution expressing condolences to the victims of Italy and support for the people of Italy in the aftermath of the devastating earthquake that struck the Abruzzo region of central Italy.
"Today the Congress expresses its deepest condolences for those who suffered because of the earthquake in Abruzzo in April, and the Congress expresses its strong support for Italy as it rebuilds from this crisis.
"Soon after this disaster struck, I called Prime Minister Berlusconi on behalf of my colleagues in the Congress to express our deepest condolences to the families and loved ones of those lost. President Obama and other leaders from around the world have offered assistance to those affected. Prime Minister Berlusconi and the Italian government have the steadfast support of the American people as they help the people of Abruzzo rebuild.
"As someone who can trace my family’s roots back to Venice, Genoa, Campobasso, Sicily, and Abruzzo, I am personally committed to ensuring that the United States provides all possible assistance.
"In 1980, I had the opportunity to visit Southern Italy in the aftermath of another earthquake as part of a U.S. delegation. I saw firsthand the courage of the Italian people in the face of a similar tragedy. The world saw Italy emerge from this crisis stronger than before.
"America is a land discovered by an Italian, named for an Italian, and built by millions of Italian Americans.
"The bond between the United States and Italy is uniquely strong because of the vital role daughters and sons of Italy have played in the United States from its discovery to today.
"Today, we mourn those lost in Abruzzo and those struggling to rebuild their lives. And today, as in times of both crisis and calm, we stand beside each other as allies and friends."