Congressional Statements

Letter re earthquake in India from Biden/Helms

Letter to Colin Powell
February 1, 2001

The Honorable Colin Powell
U.S. Secretary of State
2201 C Street, N.W.
Washington, DC 20520

Dear Mr. Secretary:

The earthquake that struck India five days ago is an astonishing human tragedy. Thousands are dead, and the scenes of human suffering are heartbreaking. At the time, President Bush commented that such natural disasters "know no political boundaries." The President could not be more right -- and at a time when the United States is recasting its foreign policy with a spirit of compassion, we must reach out to the people of India and Pakistan.

In that spirit, we express our support of President Bush's pledge of assistance to the subcontinent. We stand with you, Mr. Secretary, ready to provide any possible emergency aid and assistance to help countless thousands of people suffering as a result of the devastation wrought by the earthquake.

Many rural areas hit hardest by the earthquake have not as yet received assistance. As Indian and international efforts make the transition from rescue to rehabilitation, the United States may be able to play a unique role, with humanitarian relief, technical support or even logistical assistance from our Central Command forces located in the area.

We want to work with you in any way possible on this most important matter.

Sincerely,
Helms/Biden

Cosigners include Brownback, Wellstone, Lugar, Sarbanes, Hagel, Dodd, Gordon Smith, John Kerry, Boxer, and Torricelli