IV 
112TH CONGRESS 
1ST SESSION 
H. RES. 34 
Expressing condolences to and solidarity with the people of the Commonwealth 
of Australia as they struggle against deadly floods that began on Decem-
ber 24, 2010. 
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 
JANUARY 12, 2011 
Mr. JOHNSON of Georgia (for himself, Mr. BILBRAY, Mr. LEWIS of Georgia, 
Mr. WESTMORELAND, Mr. BISHOP of Georgia, and Mr. DAVID SCOTT of 
Georgia) submitted the following resolution; which was referred to the 
Committee on Foreign Affairs 
RESOLUTION 
Expressing condolences to and solidarity with the people 
of the Commonwealth of Australia as they struggle 
against deadly floods that began on December 24, 2010. 
Whereas in late December of 2010 and January of 2011 tor-
rential rains poured down on Queensland, Australia, 
causing widespread flooding; 
Whereas, as of January 12, 2011, over 200,000 people have 
been detrimentally affected by the flooding, including at 
least 12 who have died and 78 who are still missing; 
Whereas the floods have spread into a second state, New 
South Wales, and now affect a total area larger than the 
State of Texas; 
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•HRES 34 IH 
Whereas at least 22 Queensland towns remain isolated or in-
undated by the rising waters; 
Whereas Queensland Premier Anna Bligh has declared more 
than half of Queensland a disaster zone, and Queensland 
officials estimate that the flooding could cause up to 
$5,000,000,000 in damages; 
Whereas according to Australia’s Department of Foreign Af-
fairs and Trade, Queensland accounted for 19 percent of 
Australia’s gross domestic product in 2009–2010; 
Whereas the flood waters have destroyed much of Queens-
land’s economic infrastructure; 
Whereas the heavy rains continue and Australia’s Bureau of 
Meteorology warned on January 11, 2011, that more 
flooding will likely occur; 
Whereas Brisbane, Australia’s third largest city, is at risk of 
severe flooding such that water is expected to overwhelm 
the dam built after the devastating 1974 flood; 
Whereas Campbell Newman, the Lord Mayor of Brisbane, 
has estimated that more than 20,000 homes are in dan-
ger; 
Whereas the United States and Australia are friends and al-
lies and have long maintained a partnership marked by 
superb cooperation and mutual support in times of both 
war and peace; 
Whereas the United States Embassy in Australia has pledged 
to fully support Prime Minister Julia Gillard and 
Queensland Premier Anna Bligh as they respond to the 
floods; 
Whereas United States Embassy personnel in Australia are 
donating to the Premier’s Flood Relief Appeal, volun-
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teering to assist affected communities, and connecting 
with American businesses that are interested in donating 
food, clothing, furniture, or expertise to those in need; 
and 
Whereas Secretary of State Hillary Clinton affirmed on Jan-
uary 3, 2011, ‘‘Australia is an important partner and 
close friend of the United States and we stand ready to 
provide assistance’’: Now, therefore, be it 
Resolved, That the House of Representatives— 
(1) expresses condolences to and solidarity with 
the people of the Commonwealth of Australia as they 
struggle against these deadly floods that began on 
December 24, 2010; 
(2) mourns the loss of life resulting from the 
floods and expresses its deep sympathy for the sur-
vivors, those affected and their families; 
(3) pledges its full support and assistance as 
Australia searches for missing persons, continues to 
battle the floodwaters, and rebuilds in the aftermath; 
(4) supports continuing efforts by the United 
States Government, United States relief agencies, 
and private citizens to assist Australia as it copes 
with this natural disaster; and 
(5) urges the United States Government and 
the internal community to provide additional assist-
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