TANNER: NATO COUNTRIES SENDING RELIEF
SUPPLIES TO AID HURRICANE VICTIMS

September 15, 2005 – NATO-ally countries are sending an unprecedented amount of equipment and relief materials to the U.S. Gulf Coast region as it recovers from Hurricane Katrina, said Congressman John Tanner, who represents the U.S. on the NATO Parliamentary Assembly.

“The member nations of the NATO alliance have seen Americans in our time of need and have come to our aid,” Tanner said. “Other countries have offered us medical equipment, tents, cots, blankets and meals, as well as specialized personnel to help with search and rescue efforts.”

The North Atlantic Treaty Organization is made up of 26 nations from North America and Europe. The member nations have been transporting materials to the U.S. since the storm hit, marking the organization’s largest relief effort ever, Tanner said.

“We have all been profoundly touched by the terrible tragedy Hurricane Katrina wrought on the U.S. Gulf Coast,” NATO leaders said in announcing the relief shipments. “With this operation – the biggest deployment to date of the NATO Response Force – America’s allies and partners are doing what they can to help provide relief. And NATO will continue to stand ready to do what we can.”

Tanner represents Tennessee’s 8^th Congressional district in west and middle Tennessee. As immediate past vice president of the NATO Parliamentary Assembly, Tanner meets regularly with his legislative counterparts in other NATO countries to discuss common concerns such as security and economics.

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Contact: Randy Ford, 202.225.4714