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Congresswoman Suzan DelBene (WA-01) and Congressman Rick Larsen (WA-02) today helped introduce a resolution regarding the earthquake in Nepal, expressing members’ condolences and solidarity with the Nepalese people. The resolution also encourages continued U.S. assistance.

During the weekend, a 7.8-magnitude earthquake struck Nepal killing thousands of people with many more missing. The State Department has provided $10 million in initial disaster assistance.

“I will continue to pray for the people of Nepal, and those affected in the region or here at home during this tragic time,” DelBene said. “Three of those still missing are constituents of Washington’s First District. These people were pillars of our community – a retired special education teacher, a retired firefighter and a former small business owner. I want to do everything I can to assist and support their families during this difficult time and hope for their safe return.”

“The massive loss of life in Nepal is tragic for the country and for many communities all around the world. My thoughts are with all of those affected by the devastating earthquake, including families and communities in the Pacific Northwest,” Larsen said. “I urge my colleagues to join me in continuing to support recovery efforts in the weeks and months to come.”

DelBene and Larsen both serve on the Congressional Nepal Caucus.

The bipartisan resolution was introduced Wednesday by Congressman Matt Salmon (AZ-05).

Text of the resolution follows:

Expressing deepest condolences to and solidarity with the people of Nepal following the devastating earthquake on April 25, 2015.

Whereas on April 25, 2015, a magnitude 7.8 earthquake struck the country of Nepal;

Whereas according to the United States Geological Survey (USGS), the earthquake epicenter was located approximately 48 miles northwest from the capital, Kathmandu;

Whereas the USGS already has registered over 50 aftershocks between magnitudes 4.0 and 6.7 and reports that additional aftershocks over magnitude 5.0 or greater may be expected;

Whereas the reported death toll has reached over 4,000, thousands more people have been reported injured, and critical infrastructure, including roads, hospitals, and homes, has been damaged or destroyed;

Whereas the United Nations estimates that up to 8,000,000 people have been affected by the earthquake, including an estimated 1,400,000 people in need of immediate food assistance;

Whereas the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) estimates that nearly one million children will require urgent humanitarian assistance;

Whereas the United States responded immediately to the disaster and the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) has deployed a 128-person Disaster Assistance Response Team (DART) to Nepal, including search and rescue efforts, emergency shelter, and water, sanitation and health;

Whereas the United States has committed $10,000,000 to date for earthquake response and recovery efforts in Nepal, including search and rescue efforts, emergency shelter, and water, sanitation and health;

Whereas individuals, businesses, and philanthropic organizations across the United States and throughout the international community have responded in support of Nepal; and

Whereas humanitarian access has been severely constrained by the magnitude of destruction, the region’s mountainous terrain, and the remoteness of impacted areas: Now, therefore, be it

Resolved, That the House of Representatives—

1. expresses its deepest condolences to and solidarity with the people of Nepal following the devastating earthquake on April 25, 2015;

2. supports the efforts of the Administration to coordinate an immediate, effective United States

3. Government humanitarian response and to provide relief to affected communities;

4. commends the efforts and honors the sacrifice of the men and women engaged in the response, including the citizens and Government of Nepal, the United States, and international humanitarian and nongovernmental organizations; and

5. urges the Administration, in coordination with the Nepalese Government and other donors, to continue to provide emergency relief and reconstruction efforts in Nepal.

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