Joseph Knollenberg: “Mr. Speaker, I, too, rise this morning to join the bipartisan voices of support to the nation of India during this…”

“Mr. Speaker, I, too, rise this morning to join the bipartisan voices of support to the nation of India during this extremely difficult time. As was noted last Friday, western India, Gujarat, was struck by a devastating earthquake resulting in the loss of tens of thousands of lives. It has been mentioned that 100,000 might be reached, death and devastation that defies description. Perhaps the injuries will be in the hundreds of thousands, economic damage of $5 billion or more, and perhaps even that is not measurable. With the destruction of thousands of buildings and the devastation of the region's infrastructure, India is in great need of support from the international community. And I am glad to hear that USAID has weighed in with an initial response on January 27th of $5 million. There is more to come. Along with that, the international community, the European Union, the International Red Cross is on board. Things are happening, but it cannot happen fast enough. I offer my condolences to all the families and individuals in India and the United States, and particularly those in my own district in Michigan who lost their loved ones, as well as those who have lost homes and possessions. I urge all Members to join in expressing our deepest sympathies and continued support as the people of India face the enormous task of rebuilding their country.”