Ileana Ros-Lehtinen: “today I rise representing the great people of South Florida and join with them in extending our most heartfelt…”

“today I rise representing the great people of South Florida and join with them in extending our most heartfelt condolences and thoughts to the people who have been devastated by the most recent tsunami in Asia. We offer them our prayers. Mr. Speaker, as the world continues to focus on the wrath of this dreadful disaster, it is important to remember the people who have perished. It is important to help the people who have survived and are now picking up the pieces and restarting their lives. Across 11 nations, over 155,000 people are dead and millions were left homeless. These incredulous numbers, rising by the day, hide the human facet of this appalling disaster. Countless images of men and women holding their children tight, frantically running towards the helicopters with aid. Never-ending lines of families hoping for clean water and food. Thousands upon thousands of men, women and children desperately looking among the rubble upon what was once their homes and lives. Mr. Speaker, this catastrophe is one of unbelievable magnitude and challenges all nations to join in the relief efforts. I am proud of our brave men and women in the military who are currently manning the lifeline to the devastated regions. From the crew of the USS Lincoln to the Seahawk pilots, these young Americans continue to show the generosity--the heart and conscience of--our Nation.”