Congressman Al Green Travels to Sri Lanka to Assess Tsunami Damage
(Washington, DC)--Today, Congressman Al Green (TX-09) announced he will be joining Representatives Joe Crowley (NY), Sheila Jackson-Lee (TX), Steve Israel (NY), and Linda Sanchez (CA) on an official Congressional Delegation trip to Sri Lanka on January 16, 2005.
With less than a week in office, Congressman Al Green was tapped to serve as the only freshman member to participate in such a significant international trip. He represents one of Texas' most diverse districts, where the constituents are greatly concerned with the safety and redevelopment of the region.
Congressman Al Green is honored to be joining his colleagues and added, "This is a human tragedy a tragedy that has shaken the world. The devastation wrought by last months tsunami is an unprecedented catastrophe that has seen a massive humanitarian effort on the part of the American people and the world."
Members were invited by The United Nations Foundation (UNFPA) to discuss humanitarian aid as it relates to women's reproductive health needs. UNFPA has made $3 million available for immediate response so far, plus additional funds for medicines, equipment, and supplies.
Congressman Al Green will travel to Colombo, one of the hardest-hit areas in the region, where he plans to do an in-depth examination of current relief efforts, survey the damage, meet with Sri Lanka officials, and the American Ambassador. Members will also visit Galle, a tourist area that was destroyed during the tsunami.
As one of the hardest hit countries by the tsunami, Sri Lanka has suffered the loss of more than 30,000 lives with 860,000 people displaced. Members will be discussing the role of the United States, Congress and the United Nations in rebuilding the region.
"To date, the United States has committed $350 million in financial support and approximately 12,600 military personnel to the region. I hope this trip will provide a first-hand knowledge of the work thats being done in the region and the plight of the millions affected," Congressman Al Green said.