W ASHINGTON, D.C. – Congresswoman Jackie Speier (San Francisco/San Mateo County) introduced House Resolution 800 on Tuesday “Expressing sympathy for the citizens of the Philippines dealing with Tropical Storm Ketsana and Typhoon Parma.”

“While herculean efforts are under way to alleviate the suffering of Philippine residents, the United Nations has made an urgent appeal for help,” Representative Speier said.  “Estimates are that local relief organizations need an additional $101 million to cope with the disaster.  Hopefully, this resolution will raise awareness and encourage Americans to give generously to relief efforts.”

Representative Speier’s resolution, which has garnered 39 co-sponsors from both parties as of Wednesday, also urges President Obama to continue to support the Philippines in their time of need.  “I applaud President Obama for responding quickly and generously upon receiving news of the disaster and I will continue to monitor the relief effort to make sure that we are doing all we can to help,” Representative Speier said. “The special relationship that the United States has long shared with the Philippines is even stronger in San Francisco and on the Peninsula.  I’m extremely proud – but not at all surprised – of the extent to which my constituents, from every ethnic background, are coming together to help their neighbors in the Filipino-American community.”

F ilipinos make up the second largest population of Asian descent in the United States and Representative Speier’s congressional district (California 12) is probably home to more residents of Filipino ancestry than any other in the continental United States on a per capita basis.

A list of aid organizations helping those affected by the tragedies in the Philippines and American Samoa can be found at Representative Speier’s official website: www.speier.house.gov.

The text of the Resolution can be found at: www.speier.house.gov/index.cfm?sectionid=165&sectiontree=53,165  # # #