My heart goes out to the victims of the devastation wrought by the December 26th tsunami in the Indian Ocean.  The extent of the destruction is unprecedented.  The cost in human lives and economic damages continues to grow by the day.

The President has asked Congress to approve up to $1 billion in aid to the affected regions.  Much of this aid will be channeled through organizations like the U.S. Agency for International Development and the World Health Organization.  Because previous attempts at managing relief efforts through international organizations, like the U.N. Oil-for-Food program, were abused horrendously, we must demand strict accountability of how American contributions to reconstruction efforts are spent.

As a member of the House Appropriations Committee, which will provide money for relief to countries affected by this disaster, I will work to make sure our contributions are spent effectively.