[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 145 (1999), Part 16] [Senate] [Pages 23589-23590] [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]SYMPATHY FOR VICTIMS OF EARTHQUAKE THAT STRUCK TAIWAN Mr. LOTT. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the Senate now proceed to the consideration of S. Res. 194 submitted earlier by Senator Lott. The PRESIDING OFFICER. The clerk will report the resolution by title. The legislative clerk read as follows: A resolution (S. Res. 194) expressing sympathy for the victims of the devastating earthquake that struck Taiwan on September 21, 1999. There being no objection, the Senate proceeded to consider the resolution. Mr. LOTT. Mr. President, I am pleased to rise today to offer this Senate resolution, expressing sympathy by the Congress for the victims of the devastating earthquake in Taiwan on September 21. A similar resolution was introduced in the House and passed yesterday as House Resolution 297. I personally want to express my sadness and deepest sympathy for the many victims of the devastating earthquake that struck Taiwan so unexpectedly last week, causing much destruction and many deaths. I ask that the Senate convey to the people of Taiwan our most sincere sympathies about the tragic losses that they have suffered, in both lives and property. With this resolution we call upon the Clinton administration and other members of the international community to do everything possible to assist Taiwan in its time of need so that it may recover rapidly from its terrible losses due to this act of nature. Accordingly, Mr. President, I urge all of my colleagues in the Senate to join with me in expressing our sympathy and support to the people of Taiwan during this tragic and devastating time. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the resolution be agreed to, the preamble be agreed to, the motion to reconsider be laid upon the table, and statements relating to the resolution be printed in the Record. The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered. The resolution (S. Res. 194) was agreed to. The preamble was agreed to. The resolution, with its preamble, reads as follows: S. Res. 194 Whereas on the morning of September 21, 1999, a devastating and deadly earthquake shook the counties of Nantou and Taichung, Taiwan, killing more than 2,000 people, injuring more than 7,800, and leaving more than 100,000 homeless; Whereas the earthquake of September 21, 1999, has left thousands of buildings in ruin, caused widespread fires, and destroyed highways and other infrastructure; Whereas the strength, courage, and determination of the people of Taiwan has been displayed since the earthquake; Whereas the people of the United States and Taiwan share strong friendship and mutual interests and respect; Whereas the United States has offered whatever technical assistance might be needed and has dispatched the Urban Search and Rescue Team of Fairfax County, Virginia, the Fire Rescue Team of Miami-Dade, Florida, and others; and [[Page 23590]] Whereas offers of assistance have come from the Governments of Japan, Singapore, Turkey, and others: Now, therefore, be it Resolved, That the Senate-- (1) expresses its deepest sympathies to the people of Nantou and Taichung and all of Taiwan for the tragic losses suffered as a result of the earth-quake of September 21, 1999; (2) expresses its support for the people of Taiwan as they continue their efforts to rebuild their cities and their lives; (3) expresses support for disaster assistance being provided by the United States Agency for International Development and other relief agencies; and (4) recognizes and encourages the important assistance that also could be provided by foreign countries to alleviate the suffering of the people of Taiwan. ____________________