Congressional Hearings/Resolutions

Expressing Sympathy for Indian Earthquake Victims

Resolution of House of Representatives
Submitted by Rep. Jim McDermott

January 31, 2001

Expressing sympathy for the victims of the devastating earthquake that struck India on January 26, 2001, and support for ongoing aid efforts.

Whereas on the morning of January 26, 2001, a devastating and deadly earthquake shook the state of Gujarat in western India, killing untold tens of thousands of people, injuring countless others, and crippling most of the region;

Whereas the earthquake of January 26, 2001, has left thousands of buildings in ruin, caused widespread fires, and destroyed infrastructure;

Whereas the people of India and people of Indian origin have displayed strength, courage, and determination in the aftermath of the earthquake;

Whereas the people of the United States and India have developed a strong friendship based on mutual interests and respect;

Whereas India has appealed to the World Bank, the Asian Development Bank, and the international community for the economic assistance to meet the substantial relief and reconstruction needs facing that country in the aftermath of the earthquake;

Whereas the United States has offered technical and monetary assistance through the United States Agency for International Development (USAID); and

Whereas offers of assistance have also come from the Governments of Turkey, Switzerland, Taiwan, Russia, Germany, China, Canada, and others, as well as countless non-governmental organizations: Now, therefore, be it

Resolved by the House of Representatives (the Senate concurring), That the Congress ---

1. expresses its deepest sympathies to the citizens of the state of Gujarat and to all of India for the tragic losses suffered as a result of the earthquake of January 26, 2001;

2. expresses its support for --

   (A) the people of India as they continue their efforts to rebuild their cities and their lives;

   (B) continuing and substantially increasing the amount of disaster assistance being provided by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and other relief agencies; and

   (C) providing future economic assistance in order to help rebuild Gujarat;

3. (A) supports the economic assistance efforts of the World Bank, the Asian Development Bank, and the international community; and

   (B) urges the President to use United States influence with these bodies to expedite these efforts; and

4. recognizes and encourages the important assistance that also could be provided by other nations to alleviate the suffering of the people of India.