Washington, DC – Today, Congressman Al Green (TX-9) announced he will be joining Representatives Joe Crowley (NY), Sheila Jackson-Lee (TX), Steve Israel (NY) and Linda Sánchez (CA) on an official Congressional Delegation trip to Sri Lanka on January 16th.

With less than a week in office Green was tapped to serve as the only freshman member to participate in such a significant international trip. Green represents one of Texas’ most diverse districts, where the constituents are greatly concerned with the safety and redevelopment of the region.

Green is honored to be joining his colleagues and added, “This is a human tragedy – a tragedy that has shaken the world. The devastation wrought by last month’s tsunami is an unprecedented catastrophe that has seen a massive humanitarian effort on the part of the American people and the world.”

Members were invited by The United Nations Foundation (UNFPA) to discuss humanitarian aid as it relates to women’s reproductive health needs. UNFPA has made $3 million available for immediate response so far, plus additional funds for medicines, equipment and supplies.

Green will travel to Colombo, one of the hardest-hit areas in the region, where he plans to do an in-depth examination of current relief efforts, survey the damage, meet with Sri Lanka officials, and the American Ambassador. Members will also visit Galle, a tourist area that was destroyed during the tsunami.

As one of the hardest hit countries by the tsunami, Sri Lanka has suffered the loss of more than 30,000 lives with 860,000 people displaced. Members will be discussing the role of the United States, Congress and the United Nations in rebuilding the region.

To date, the United States has committed $350 million in financial support and approximately 12,600 military personnel to the region. “I hope this trip will provide a first-hand knowledge of the work that’s being done in the region and the plight of the millions affected,” said Green.