Benjamin Gilman: “the waters of southern Africa's worst flooding in a century are slowly beginning to recede, but the flood waters have…”

“the waters of southern Africa's worst flooding in a century are slowly beginning to recede, but the flood waters have left behind an altered landscape. Where there were homes, there are now ruins. Where there were schools, there is now only rubble. Throughout Mozambique, where there were signs of steady economic progress, once again there is a spectre of hunger and disease. We still do not know how many people have perished in Mozambique. We believe that 40,000 cattle have drowned. A third of their onion crop has been destroyed. We know that Mozambique and other nations in the region need serious help. When a disaster this scope afflicts a wealthy nation like our own Nation, it is an enormous challenge. But when it happens to a country where the average annual per capita income is less than what we might pay for a dinner for two in one of our favorite restaurants, it is tragic. Our Nation and other nations are already helping, but their work has only just begun. I fully support this resolution introduced by our good friend and colleague the gentleman from New York (Mr. Meeks) because it reiterates this Congressional commitment to help our brothers in southern Africa in a time of need.”