NEW YORK—The House of Representatives passed House Resolution 800 Wednesday, Oct. 16, authored by Congresswoman Jackie Speier (San Francisco/San Mateo County), expressing its deepest sympathies for residents of the Philippines in the aftermath of recent natural disasters.
Speier introduced HR 800 shortly after the two successive typhoons – Ketsana and Parma – battered the Philippines.
"Tragically, the situation has worsened since then and the death toll is now estimated at more than 600. In addition, millions more are displaced and estimates of damage run well into the billions of dollars," Rep. Speier said in her speech on the House floor.
In the resolution entitled Expressing sympathy for the citizens of the Philippines dealing with Tropical Storm Ketsana and Typhoon Parma, Speier urged US President Barack Obama to continue supporting relief efforts in the Philippines in terms of logistical, transportation and financial assistance.
"The historical and cultural links between the United States and the Philippines runs deeper than any flood waters. I am honored that [I represent the] largest Filipino American community of any district in the continental United States," Rep. Speier said.
One week after typhoon Ketsana ravaged parts of Metro Manila, typhoon Parma struck Luzon, the heart of the Philippine agricultural region, which supplies half of the nation’s supply of rice. The typhoon decimated roads, bridges, entire villages and vast tracts of rice paddies waiting to be harvested later this month.
"It is clear that the people of the Philippines will be profoundly affected by these twin tragedies long after the water has receded and the streets swept clean of mud and debris," Rep. Speier added.
HR 800 recognizes the hardship caused by Typhoons Ketsana and Parma and "salutes the resilience and strength of our friends the Filipino people."
This resolution urges the United States government to continue providing emergency relief, logistical support and financial assistance to the Philippines and to work with Philippine officials and non-governmental organizations to improve disaster preparedness programs in the country to mitigate heartbreak, havoc and loss of life that could be caused by future storms.
"The 12th Congressional District is home to more Filipino Americans than any other in the country. As a resident here all my life, I know about the invaluable contributions Filipino Americans make to the very fabric of our society," Speier said in an earlier interview.
Nationally, Americans of Filipino descent are the second largest population of Asian-Americans in our country numbering some 3.1 million Americans, according to her.
The congresswoman also urged her colleagues to support HR 800 "to show our friends, the good people of the Philippines that as they stood with us in World War II, the American people stand with them during this time of greatest need."
The Resolution passed by unanimous consent, with both Democrats and Republicans speaking in support.
( Published October 15, 2009 in Asain Journal Las Vegas p. A1 )
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