Serrano Expresses Sadness at the Tragedy in
Asia
and Asks for a Generous Administration Response

Washington, DC
, December 29, 2004—Today Congressman José E. Serrano (D-NY) sent the following letter to Secretary Colin Powell in response to the worsening crisis in South and
South East Asia
.  The text of the letter follows:

            December 29, 2004

The Honorable Colin L. Powell

Secretary of State

Department of State

2201 C Street N.W.

Washington, D.C.
 
20520

Dear Secretary Powell:

            Today’s New York Times is reporting a tragic increase in the death toll from the earthquake and tsunami to a figure of  over 70,000 and it is expected to continue rising.  This is a tragedy that affects all nations and each of us personally.  I know that the Administration has made a commitment to provide assistance.  However, I would like to request that, as the scope of this disaster becomes clearer, the contributions of the rise in keeping with the rising numbers of dead and displaced people.

            This is a time for our nation to show real leadership.  We have an obligation to be generous as we work on behalf of humanitarian goals and try to prevent the disease and hunger that will confront the impacted nations.  You can be sure that as a member of the House Appropriations Committee, I will work closely with this Administration and be supportive of all efforts to provide substantial amounts of assistance.

            Thank you for addressing this tragedy with speed and generosity.

Sincerely,

                                                                       José E. Serrano

                                                                       Member of Congress

# # #

 Congressman José E. Serrano has represented the
Bronx
,
New York
, in Congress since 1990.  He is the only Member of Congress from
New York City
on the House Appropriations Committee and serves as the ranking Democrat on the Appropriations Subcommittee that funds the Commerce, Justice, and State Departments.