Wicker: U.S. Government, People Respond to Disaster
WICKER: U.S.GOVERNMENT, PEOPLE RESPOND TO DISASTER
REPORT FROM CONGRESS
By Congressman Roger F. Wicker
January 17, 2005
In the wake of the tsunami that struck 12 Asian countries on December 26, the United States of America-as usual-is leading the way in providing humanitarian assistance. Our government is fully engaged in this monumental task, and the American people are giving generously to church and charitable groups focused on the recovery and reconstruction.
It should be no surprise to anyone that the U.S. government has mobilized a multi-pronged relief effort and that the outpouring of support from the heartland is so strong. These actions reflect the compassionate values we hold as a nation.
U.S. RESOURCES COMMITTED
The government aid includes funds for fresh water, food, medicine, and other supplies as well as resources from our armed forces to deliver those staples to areas devastated by the killer waves. In addition to more than $350 million in direct aid, one U.S. aircraft carrier and 20 other Navy ships were dispatched to the region in one of the largest military relief operations in history. The ships contain medical equipment and have the capacity to generate 600,000 gallons of fresh water each day. More than 40 helicopters are part of the armada, and 3,000 Naval and Marine Corps personnel are involved in the effort. The 1000-bed Navy hospital ship, the USNS Mercy, is also on the scene.
President Bush sent Secretary of State Colin Powell and Florida Governor Jeb Bush, to get a first-hand look at the enormity of this catastrophe. The President also signed a proclamation calling for the U.S. flag to be flown at half-staff for a week in sympathy for the victims of this great tragedy.
AMERICAN PEOPLE RESPOND
While the government's actions have been dramatic, the reaction of the American people has been equally remarkable. From the first reports of this disaster, our fellow citizens opened their pocketbooks to aid the victims.
Newspapers in Mississippi printed lists of relief agencies and religious groups equipped to handle donations. Some of the groups have local connections such as the Southern Baptist Convention, United Methodist Committee For Relief, Catholic Relief Services, Lutheran World Relief, Episcopal Relief and Development, Salvation Army and American Red Cross. Other nationally-respected organizations on the list are only a mouse-click away on the Internet, providing a wide range of choices for individuals seeking to contribute. A complete listing of these organizations can be found on the U.S. Agency for International Development website at www.usaid.org.
President Bush has enlisted his father and former President Bill Clinton to head a private fundraising campaign to continue the momentum that has already been generated over the past two weeks. "The greatest source of America's generosity is not our government, it's the good heart of the American people," the President said.
CLOSE TO HOME
While this tragedy struck countries half-a-world away, I felt a personal connection to the events. One of my Washington staff members was vacationing on the Thai island of Phi Phi, which was dealt a tremendous blow by the tsunami. Legislative assistant Susan Sweat, a Columbus native, and her husband Scott were fortunate to survive the disaster. We are grateful that they have returned safely to the U.S.
http://www.house.gov/wicker/Disaster.htm