Washington, D.C. – Today, Members of the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus (CAPAC) released the following statements encouraging support for the victims of Super Typhoon Haiyan/Yolanda:
Congresswoman Judy Chu (CA-27), CAPAC Chair:
“I am deeply saddened by the destruction caused by Super Typhoon Haiyan in the Philippines. My thoughts are with individuals, families and loved ones affected by this disaster. The United States committed to sending $20 million in assistance to support recovery efforts. I will do everything I can as Chair of CAPAC to help support the people of the Philippines and their families.”
Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi (CA-12):
“We continue to learn more on the true extent of the damage done by Super Typhoon Haiyan, but there is little question that the storm brought devastation to thousands of lives. Our thoughts and prayers are with the victims, their families, and the survivors working to pull their communities back together. The United States will do all we can to help those in need – both in these critical early days and in the rebuilding that will come. Under the direction of President Obama, USAID and the Department of Defense are already taking a leading role in delivering disaster relief supplies to the affected areas. Super Typhoon Haiyan was strong, but the people of the Philippines will prove themselves stronger.”
Senator Mazie K. Hirono (HI):
“My heart goes out to the people of the Philippines and to the families in Hawaii who are worried about their loved ones overseas. During this difficult time, I send my sincere gratitude to the tireless aid workers helping communities recover.”
Senator Brian Schatz (HI):
“The stories of loss and devastation coming out of the Philippines are shocking and heartbreaking, and the full extent of the ravage is not yet even known. Millions of people were hit by Typhoon Yolanda, or Typhoon Haiyan, and while there is no official death toll, estimates are upwards of 10,000. My prayers and I know the prayers of all of us in Hawai‘i are with the people of the Philippines. They are a strong people and I know they will come back from this epic tragedy, but they need our help. I'm working to make sure the United States keeps supporting the Philippines now in this emergency and in their recovery efforts in the time to come.”
Congressman Mike Honda (CA-17), CAPAC Chair Emeritus:
“My heart goes out to everyone affected by Typhoon Haiyan. As the Philippines struggles to recover, I urge all Americans to help in whatever way they can. Donations to the Red Cross or other aid organizations will go a long way toward providing relief to those who need it most. We cannot forget our Filipino brothers and sisters who are in the midst of this devastation, and must continue to give a helping hand, provide comfort, and send our thoughts and prayers to our global neighbors.”
Congressman Mark Takano (CA-41), CAPAC Whip:
“I was saddened to learn of devastation in the Philippines this past weekend from Super Typhoon Haiyan. The people of the Philippines are incredibly resilient and I have no doubt that they will recover from this tragedy. I urge the appropriate federal agencies to offer assistance and relief efforts so that Filipinos can begin the rebuilding process as soon as possible and I encourage residents in my district to contact my office if they are having difficulty reaching loved ones. My thoughts and prayers are with the people who were affected by this tragedy and I’m committed to seeing the humanitarian efforts help those in need.”
Congressman Ami Bera (CA-07):
“My heart goes out to the millions of people impacted by Typhoon Haiyan. I am deeply saddened by the magnitude of the damage done by this devastating storm and the thousands of lives, homes and livelihoods lost. America is already working to send aid to help those affected and we must continue to do all we can to help the people of the Philippines as they recover from this tragedy.”
Congressman Eni Faleomavaega (AS):
“I am greatly saddened by the tragic loss of life and widespread damage that Typhoon Haiyan has inflicted on the Philippines. During this difficult time, the thoughts and prayers of the people of American Samoa go out to our brothers and sisters across the Pacific and the many Filipino-Americans whose families are affected by this tragedy. We give thanks for those who are providing assistance and humanitarian relief from this devastating storm and ensure the people of the Philippines that we are standing by them in their road to recovery.”
Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard (HI-02):
“Following the unimaginable devastation and loss of life this weekend, millions of our brothers and sisters in the Philippines are faced with rebuilding their lives and communities in the wake of total disaster. My heart goes out to all those who have lost, or are still missing, loved ones due to Super Typhoon Haiyan/Yolanda; my prayers are with you. I strongly encourage people in Hawai‘i and across the country to assist those affected in the Philippines in any way they are able, and stand with them as they start down the long road to recovery.”
Congresswoman Colleen Hanabusa (HI-01):
“My thoughts are with the people of the Philippines and Vietnam as they work to recover and rebuild from this devastating storm, and I hope the families of the victims are able to find comfort during this difficult time. I am pleased the United States is providing significant relief assistance to help the Philippines deal with the aftermath of Typhoon Haiyan, and I will continue to urge our federal agencies to provide disaster aid to Vietnam wherever possible. Because family is a top priority in our communities, my office has contacted the Philippine and Vietnamese Embassies to see how we can help our constituents contact relatives in those countries. We in Hawaii know all too well the destruction Mother Nature is capable of, and I know our friends in the Philippines and Vietnam are resilient and will overcome this tragedy.”
Congresswoman Barbara Lee (CA-13):
“My thoughts and prayers are with all those affected in the Philippines by Typhoon Haiyan, as well for those in my own Congressional District in California who have families and loved ones in the Philippines. As the people of the Philippines cope and recover from the widespread devastation and tragic loss of life, I pledge my support for humanitarian efforts to bolster the cleanup, recovery, and rescue efforts.”
Congresswoman Doris Matsui (CA-06):
“My thoughts and prayers are with the people of the Philippines as they work to rebuild their communities following the devastation wrought by Super Typhoon Haiyan. While the full extent of the damage is still being discovered, we know that thousands lost their lives in the storm, and thousands more lost loved ones, homes and businesses. My heart goes out to all of the families affected, and I will continue to strongly support the humanitarian assistance our nation is offering the Philippines.”
Congresswoman Grace Meng (NY-06):
“The devastation Typhoon Haiyan wreaked upon the Philippines is a horrible tragedy and our hearts go out to all who have been affected by this natural disaster. The tremendous loss of life and widespread destruction is incomprehensible. My office stands ready to assist constituents impacted by this tragedy, and I urge the U.S. government to continue to assist the Philippines with its rescue and recovery efforts by providing whatever resources they require. At this difficult time, I send my thoughts and prayers to all the Filipino people, particularly those who have lost loved ones in this terrible catastrophe.”
Congressman Gregorio Sablan (CNMI):
“The people of the Northern Mariana Islands know well the suffering that occurs when a typhoon strikes and in the weeks and months of recovery after. So, our hearts and prayers go out to the people of the Philippines as they suffer through the terrible tragedy of Typhoon Yolanda. Many of us have family and friends in the Philippines. Our islands have close ties going back over centuries. We mourn the thousands of dead. And I know we will all do whatever we can to assist the survivors, who have lost so much and now face the long road of rebuilding their homes and their lives.”
Congressman Gerry Connolly (VA-11):
“I join with Filipino-Americans in praying for their loved ones and friends in the aftermath of this devastating typhoon. The widespread destruction has resulted in the loss of many lives and has impacted millions of Filipinos. We must continue to ensure that humanitarian aid is provided to those in the most need. It will take some time for residents to rebuild.”
Congressman John Conyers, Jr. (MI-13):
“As more details emerge about the damage that Super Typhoon Haiyan/Yolanda has done to the Philippines, I am deeply saddened to hear of the unthinkable loss of life that has occurred. There are no words that could ever provide enough comfort in the face of this immense damage. Yet, I want the Filipino people to know that the U.S. Congress, the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus, and the American people stand with them and will do everything in our power to help rebuild.”
Congressman Charles B. Rangel (NY-13):
“My thoughts and prayers go out to all of those affected by the destructive Typhoon, especially those in the East Samar and Leyte provinces, suffering severe damages caused by severe winds, rains and flooding. I am proud of the great work of our government and so many non-profit organizations in providing assistance to the people in the Philippines. We stand ready to continue our relief efforts to the Filipino community, and believe in their resilience to come back stronger than before.”
Congressman Scott Peters (CA-52):
“I offer my thoughts and prayers to the people of the Philippines as they recover from this devastating disaster. With thousands of Filipino-American families in my district I know they are worried about the health and safety of friends and loved ones. I know the American people stand by our Filipino allies as they get back on their feet, revive their economy, and return to a semblance of normalcy.”
Congresswoman Lucille Roybal-Allard (CA-40):
“I am deeply saddened by the images of devastation in the Philippines brought on by Super Typhoon Haiyan/Yolanda. Southern California is home to the largest Filipino population in the country, and I know many in the community are following the news closely and helping to organize relief efforts. I will continue to work with my colleagues in Congress to ensure that aid reaches those affected as quickly as possible.”
Congressman Adam Smith (WA-09):
“I am very saddened by the destruction and the thousands who have lost their lives from the devastating super typhoon in the Philippines. The United States has provided meaningful aid to the region still thousands remain in need of food and care. It critical that we continue to coordinate with the Philippines and non-government organizations involved with the relief effort to provide assistance as quickly and effectively as possible. Washington’s Ninth District is home to thousands of Filipino Americans who have loved ones afflicted by the typhoon and its aftermath. I will continue to do all that I can to help in recovery efforts. My thoughts and prayers are with all of those affected by this horrible tragedy and their families.”
Congresswoman Jackie Speier (CA-14):
“The devastation Super Typhoon Haiyan/Yolanda has had on the Philippines is unimaginable. The reported numbers of deaths and nearly 700,000 made homeless so far are jaw-dropping figures. In my district, it has left thousands of Filipino families distraught over not knowing the fate of their loved ones, so many of whom are children. I am so proud though of the local efforts in San Francisco and San Mateo counties to stand up and offer help to the victims. Be assured that the United States too shall stand up and do all that it can to help now and in the rebuilding process.”
Congressman Eric Swalwell (CA-15):
“I join the Filipino and international community in mourning the lives lost in Typhoon Haiyan and my thoughts and prayers go out to all affected by the storm. I am encouraged by the swift response by aid organizations, and we must continue to ensure the Filipino people receive the humanitarian assistance needed to help the country recover and rebuild from the tragedy. I am proud to represent a vibrant Filipino population in the East Bay, many of whom are very concerned about their family and friends in the country. My office stands as a resource to constituents looking to connect with loved ones in the Philippines at this difficult time.”
Background:
Super Typhoon Haiyan, known as Typhoon Yolanda in the Philippines, made landfall in the central Philippines on Friday, November 8th. The super typhoon brought strong winds and heavy rain that resulted in flooding, landslides and widespread damage. According to Filipino officials, Typhoon Haiyan affected an estimated 9.7 million people, damaged 23,200 homes and public infrastructure, and resulted in thousands of casualties. The U.S. Government is providing $20 million in immediate humanitarian assistance to benefit typhoon-affected populations, including emergency shelter, food assistance, relief commodities, water, sanitation, and hygiene support.
More information on the recovery efforts can be found here.
If you are looking for a missing family member in the Philippines, please contact your local chapter of the American Red Cross to initiate a tracing case.
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The Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus (CAPAC) is comprised of Members of Congress of Asian and Pacific Islander descent and Members who have a strong dedication to promoting the well-being of the Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) community. Currently chaired by Congresswoman Judy Chu, CAPAC has been addressing the needs of the AAPI community in all areas of American life since it was founded in 1994.
