WASHINGTON,
D.C. – U.S. Representative Jan Schakowsky (D-IL) today joined her colleagues
in approving a resolution expressing sympathy for the victims of the devastating
earthquake in India.
H.Con.Res.
15 also expresses Congress’ support for “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 providing
future economic assistance in order to help rebuild Gujarat.” In
addition, the resolution also calls on President Bush to encourage the
World Bank, the Asian Development Bank, and the international community
to expedite their efforts to assist India.
Schakowsky,
who is an original cosponsor of H.Con.Res.15, spoke today on the floor
of House of Representatives in favor of passage of the resolution.
She said, “On behalf of the vibrant Indo-American Community in my district,
many of whom have relatives in Gujarat , I rise in strong support of this
resolution. I am proud to be an original cosponsor of this resolution,
which expresses sympathy for the loss of life and Congress’ commitment
to help our ally India, the world largest democracy.”
She
added, “It is important that we work to get accurate information to our
constituents so they can know what has happened to their loved ones.” Last
March, Schakowsky was one of eight members of Congress to join President
Clinton on his official visit to India.
The
co-chairs of the India Caucus, Representatives Ed Royce (R-CA) and Jim
McDermott (D-WA), introduced the resolution. Schakowsky is a member
of the caucus. |