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Washington, DC -- In the wake of the tragic fires raging through Greece, a resolution introduced by Congressman John P. Sarbanes (MD-03) expressing sympathy to the people of Greece passed the United States House of Representatives unanimously today. The bipartisan resolution also expresses the House's support for the Administration's continuing relief efforts and commends the efforts of the Greek American community, public institutions, specialized agencies, and others who have offered and are offering their assistance (a full text of the resolution is available below). The Greek Ambassador was in the House Chamber to witness the resolution's passage.
"We stand with the people of Greece and vow to come to their aid as they have done for us and others throughout the world, time and time again," said Congressman Sarbanes in his floor statement. "There is no doubt that the people of Greece will prevail in the face of this difficult time. There is no doubt that they will succeed in the recovery effort."
The fires have caused 65 deaths, forced thousands from their homes and charred an estimated 469,000 acres of land since they began in June 2007. The extensive damage to Greek homes, farmland and forests is estimated in excess of $1.6 billion.
"My colleagues and I have been working to identify areas where the United States government can assist in the near term, and as part of the longer commitment that will be needed in reversing the damage," said Congressman Sarbanes speaking before the House in support of the resolution. "We are grateful that the U.S. Government has already extended funding and other support in this regard and we are very proud of the commitment already demonstrated by our friends and organizations in the Greek-American community."
H.RES.629
Extending the condolences and sympathy of the House of Representatives to the Government and the people of Greece for the grave loss of life and vast destruction caused by the devastating... (Introduced in House)
HRES 629 IH
110th CONGRESS
1st Session
H. RES. 629
Extending the condolences and sympathy of the House of Representatives to the Government and the people of Greece for the grave loss of life and vast destruction caused by the devastating fires raging through Greece since June 2007.
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
September 4, 2007
Mr. SARBANES (for himself, Mr. LANTOS, Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN, Mrs. MALONEY of New York, Mr. BILIRAKIS, Mr. SPACE, Ms. BERKLEY, Mr. PAYNE, Mr. LINCOLN DIAZ-BALART of Florida, Mr. KENNEDY, Mr. PALLONE, Mr. SHAYS, Ms. WATSON, Mr. CROWLEY, and Mr. WEXLER) submitted the following resolution; which was referred to the Committee on Foreign Affairs
RESOLUTION
Extending the condolences and sympathy of the House of Representatives to the Government and the people of Greece for the grave loss of life and vast destruction caused by the devastating fires raging through Greece since June 2007.
Whereas more than 3,000 forest fires have been recorded in Greece since June 2007;
Whereas over a 10-day period, an estimated 4,000 people saw their homes destroyed by the wildfires, which razed dozens of villages, destroyed livestock and charred an estimated 469,000 acres of mostly forest and farmland;
Whereas dozens of Greek families have lost their loved ones to the fires;
Whereas thousands of Greeks have been left homeless and hundreds of thousands of acres of pristine forest have been destroyed;
Whereas hundreds of thousands of mature olive trees, vineyards and thousands of animals perished in the flames;
Whereas damage to the Greek economy is estimated at between $1,600,000,000 and $5,400,000,000;
Whereas the United States and Greece have stood side by side in confronting world challenges throughout the 20th century, and will stand together in confronting this new challenge; and
Whereas the United States, through its government, its people and its Greek-American community, has already extended significant support to the people of Greece during this difficult time: Now, therefore, be it
Resolved, That the House of Representatives--
- extends its condolences and sympathy to the Government and the people of Greece for the grave loss of life and vast destruction caused by the devastating fires raging through Greece
- vows its full support and solidarity to a close friend, a strategic partner, and a longstanding ally in this painful and difficult hour;
- fully supports the Administration's initiatives to provide assistance and relief to the people of Greece, including its pledge of $1,500,000 in aid as well as expert and technical assistance;
- encourages public institutions, specialized agencies, as well as private citizens, to offer their resources; and
- expresses confidence that Greece and its people will succeed in overcoming the hardships incurred through this tragedy.
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