Senate Passes Schatz Bill Expressing U.S. Support for the Philippines
Senate Foreign Relations Committee Considered and Passed Resolution Earlier Today
Washington, DC—Today, the U.S. Senate passed Senator Brian Schatz’s (D-Hawai‘i) Senate resolution (S.Res. 292) expressing the United States Senate’s support for the Philippines and the victims of Typhoon Yolanda. Earlier today, the Senate Foreign Relations Committee considered and approved the resolution.
“The United States and the Philippines share a special bond rooted in strong cultural and historical ties between our two countries. The Philippines is a resilient nation and a true American ally, and they need our help. Typhoon Yolanda was reportedly the strongest storm ever to make landfall in recorded history – sweeping away almost everything in its path. Although the storm is over, our work has just begun,”said Senator Brian Schatz.
“Our hearts go out to the Filipino people who are enduring tremendous tragedy and today we stand with the Philippines during this trying time,” Senator Menendez said.“We must deploy the many tools at our government’s disposal to provide immediate humanitarian assistance and relief to the typhoon-affect populations. The Filipino American community in New Jersey that I proudly represent is being challenged like never before and we will work together to assist those who are suffering. We stood together when Superstorm Sandy caused havoc in New Jersey, and we will stay united and work hand-in-hand as the Philippines rebuilds after Typhoon Haiyan.”
“The images of the damage caused by Super Typhoon Haiyan in the Philippines are harrowing and the loss of life is devastating,” Senator Durbin said.“The humanitarian crisis resulting from the storm will bring challenging, but the United States stands with the Philippine government and people as they recover and rebuild. My thoughts - and the thoughts of the entire United States Senate- are with the many families who have loved ones affected by this catastrophic storm.”
“The extent of the loss of life, injuries and devastation sustained from Typhoon Yolanda/Haiyan in the Philippines is almost unimaginable,"said Senator Cardin. “Filipino Americans enrich our communities in Maryland and many communities throughout the United States. I will look for every opportunity to support our good friends in the Philippines to help them recover from this terrible disaster.”
Senators Menendez (D-N.J.), Durbin (D-Ill.), Cardin (D-Md.), Rubio (R-Fla.), Hirono (D-Hawaii), Udall (D-N.M.), Boxer (D-Calif.), Begich (D-Alaska), McCain (R-Ariz.), Booker (D-N.J.), Murray (D-Wash.), Baldwin (D-Wisc.), and Landrieu (D-La.) joined Schatz to introduce the resolution.
A full list of Hawaii and national organizations to donate to, and resources for help finding missing loved ones can be viewed here.
Yesterday, Schatz spoke on the Senate floor, describing the devastation in the Philippines, the U.S. government’s response efforts, and called on viewers to make donations to help survivors.
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