Floor Statements
May 20, 2008
Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee, of Texas Statement on H. Res. 1195 "Expressing Condolences And Sympathy To The People Of Sichuan Province, China"
Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of H. Res. 1195, expressing condolences and sympathy to the people of the People's Republic of China for the grave loss of life and vast destruction caused by the massive earthquake centered in Sichuan Province. I would like to thank my colleague Representative DAVID WU of Oregon for introducing this important legislation that reaffirms the humanitarian commitment of the United States to the people of the People's Republic of China who have become victims of a catastrophic earthquake. Let me also thank the Chairman of the Committee on Foreign Affairs, Chairman Berman, for his leadership in bringing this resolution to the floor today.
As my colleagues are aware, the province of Sichuan, in southwest China, was struck by a 7.9 magnitude earthquake on May 12th. Centered in Wenchuan County, the earthquake brought a plethora of devastating aftershocks, casualties, and tragedy. It is reported that the death toll has approached 40,000, and a further 250,000 people have been injured. With tens of thousands of people still missing, it is likely that these figures will only rise. Furthermore, the earthquake has left an estimated 4.8 million people homeless making this one of the most devastating earthquakes in China since the 1976 Tangshan earthquake.
A New York Times article published this morning describes the many residents of neighboring counties who have traveled long distances without hesitation to volunteer their services to the humanitarian needs of the victims. Record sums of money had also been donated to the victims of the earthquake. I hope that this resolution and stories of heroic action will also inspire others to take part in the global community to take action in contributing humanitarian aid.
While the human toll is tragic, the sheer numbers of people who have lost their homes is truly colossal. Though rescue efforts may be nearing a close, relief efforts are only just beginning. Five million people are reported to be homeless in the wake of the earthquake, with government officials citing a ``desperate need for tents.'' Even as we work to meet these emergency needs, Mr. Speaker, we must also focus our efforts in studying and implementing ways on which we can prevent future disasters from affecting as many people.
As Chair of the Congressional Children's Caucus, I am particularly concerned by the large number of children who were trapped within collapsing school buildings when the earthquake hit. Particularly tragic was the collapse of a three-story school building in the city of Dujiangyan, burying an estimated 900 students. According to reports, it is still not known how many children were killed by their own schools as the buildings fell down on their heads, and the Chinese government has reportedly called for an investigation into the collapse of school buildings. I would especially like to extend my condolence to many children caught up in this immense disaster.
Mr. Speaker, I take this opportunity to commend the thousands of police and civilian rescue workers who have been working tirelessly in disaster areas to aid in rescue and recovery efforts. They are truly a testament to the good that exists in the world today.
I urge my colleagues to join me in supporting this legislation to extend sincere condolences and further the efforts of the United States to ensure the complete restoration of the tragic loss of life and devastation of the People's Republic of China. May 20, 2008Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee, of Texas Statement on H. Res. 1195 "Expressing Condolences And Sympathy To The People Of Sichuan Province, China"
{insert text herMr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of H. Res. 1195, expressing condolences and sympathy to the people of the People's Republic of China for the grave loss of life and vast destruction caused by the massive earthquake centered in Sichuan Province. I would like to thank my colleague Representative DAVID WU of Oregon for introducing this important legislation that reaffirms the humanitarian commitment of the United States to the people of the People's Republic of China who have become victims of a catastrophic earthquake. Let me also thank the Chairman of the Committee on Foreign Affairs, Chairman Berman, for his leadership in bringing this resolution to the floor today.
As my colleagues are aware, the province of Sichuan, in southwest China, was struck by a 7.9 magnitude earthquake on May 12th. Centered in Wenchuan County, the earthquake brought a plethora of devastating aftershocks, casualties, and tragedy. It is reported that the death toll has approached 40,000, and a further 250,000 people have been injured. With tens of thousands of people still missing, it is likely that these figures will only rise. Furthermore, the earthquake has left an estimated 4.8 million people homeless making this one of the most devastating earthquakes in China since the 1976 Tangshan earthquake.
A New York Times article published this morning describes the many residents of neighboring counties who have traveled long distances without hesitation to volunteer their services to the humanitarian needs of the victims. Record sums of money had also been donated to the victims of the earthquake. I hope that this resolution and stories of heroic action will also inspire others to take part in the global community to take action in contributing humanitarian aid.
While the human toll is tragic, the sheer numbers of people who have lost their homes is truly colossal. Though rescue efforts may be nearing a close, relief efforts are only just beginning. Five million people are reported to be homeless in the wake of the earthquake, with government officials citing a ``desperate need for tents.'' Even as we work to meet these emergency needs, Mr. Speaker, we must also focus our efforts in studying and implementing ways on which we can prevent future disasters from affecting as many people.
As Chair of the Congressional Children's Caucus, I am particularly concerned by the large number of children who were trapped within collapsing school buildings when the earthquake hit. Particularly tragic was the collapse of a three-story school building in the city of Dujiangyan, burying an estimated 900 students. According to reports, it is still not known how many children were killed by their own schools as the buildings fell down on their heads, and the Chinese government has reportedly called for an investigation into the collapse of school buildings. I would especially like to extend my condolence to many children caught up in this immense disaster.
Mr. Speaker, I take this opportunity to commend the thousands of police and civilian rescue workers who have been working tirelessly in disaster areas to aid in rescue and recovery efforts. They are truly a testament to the good that exists in the world today.
I urge my colleagues to join me in supporting this legislation to extend sincere condolences and further the efforts of the United States to ensure the complete restoration of the tragic loss of life and devastation of the People's Republic of China. May 20, 2008
Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee, of Texas Statement on H. Res. 1195 "Expressing Condolences And Sympathy To The People Of Sichuan Province, China"