Typhoon Haiyan

Floor Speech

Ms. GABBARD. Mr. Speaker, on behalf of the people of my home State of Hawaii, I stand today to send our heartfelt condolences to the victims of Super Typhoon Haiyan in the Philippines.

Like so many people in Hawaii and around the world, I and my family have loved ones, friends, and others who were affected by this devastation in Tacloban City and in other areas of the Philippines, and they have been at the forefront of our thoughts and prayers.

In the wake of such a horrible tragedy, the positive that we can find is the outpouring of compassion, support, and, most importantly, aloha from my State towards the people in the Philippines.

The Hawaii Air National Guard is working with the U.S. Pacific Command as we speak, which is based in Hawaii, as collectively they provide unparalleled air, maritime, and ground support to the aid efforts of the Philippines authorities. All across Hawaii, as across the world, we are seeing businesses, nonprofits, and individuals standing up individually and taking the time and energy to raise resources and to provide support to these aid efforts, to these relief efforts, and helping to reunite families and friends and communities.

I continue to pray for all those who have lost homes, family, and friends, and encourage all who are able to contribute in any way possible in this recovery effort.

Source