Expressing solidarity with and sympathy for the people of Guatemala after the June 3, 2018, eruption of the Fuego Volcano.

Bill: 115-hres-944
Sponsor: full_name: Rep. Torres, Norma J. [D-CA-35]
Introduced: 2018-06-14
Policy area: International Affairs
Subjects: Central America

Congressional tributes

Disaster relief and insurance

First responders and emergency personnel

Guatemala

Latin America

Natural disasters

Social work, volunteer service, charitable organizations
Latest action: action_date: 2018-06-28
text: Committee Agreed to Seek Consideration Under Suspension of the Rules, by Unanimous Consent.

Summaries:
action_date: 2018-06-14
action_desc: Introduced in House
text: <p>Expresses solidarity with and sympathy for the people of Guatemala after the June 3, 2018, eruption of the Fuego Volcano. </p>

tv_txt: IV 115th CONGRESS 2d Session H. RES. 944 IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES June 14, 2018 Mrs. Torres (for herself and Mr. Smith of New Jersey ) submitted the following resolution; which was referred to the Committee on Foreign Affairs RESOLUTION Expressing solidarity with and sympathy for the people of Guatemala after the June 3, 2018, eruption of the Fuego Volcano.

Whereas, on Sunday, June 3, 2018, Guatemala’s Fuego Volcano, which borders the Chimaltenago, Esquintla, and Sacatepequez Departments, erupted, spewing toxic gas, volcanic ash, and rock into the surrounding area; Whereas according to Guatemala’s natural disaster commission, CONRED, more than 100 people have died, at least 197 are missing, more than 12,500 have been evacuated from affected areas, and over 4,000 sheltered; Whereas, on June 3, 2018, the President of Guatemala, Jimmy Morales, declared 3 days of national mourning; Whereas, on June 6, 2018, the United States Embassy in Guatemala announced that the United States would provide an initial contribution of $300,000 in humanitarian assistance; Whereas, on June 7, 2018, six pediatric burn patients arrived safely at Shriners Hospital in Galveston, Texas, following close coordination between the Department of State, the United States Mission in Guatemala, and the Department of Defense, in collaboration with Shriners International and the Guatemalan Government; Whereas rains and the persistence of volcanic ash and toxic gases have further impeded recovery efforts; Whereas Guatemala is a longstanding United States ally and important economic partner; Whereas there are more than 1,000,000 Guatemalan-Americans living in the United States; and Whereas there are as many as 6,500 United States citizens living in Guatemala: Now, therefore, be it

That the House of Representatives— (1) expresses its solidarity with and deepest sympathy for the people of Guatemala, especially the victims of the volcano eruption, and their families; (2) recognizes the efforts of Guatemalan first responders and citizen volunteers who have courageously rescued survivors and provided emergency assistance; (3) recognizes the voluntary donations made by United States citizens, companies, and charities to relief and reconstruction efforts; (4) urges the United States Agency for International Development and other relevant United States agencies to continue to provide relief and reconstruction assistance, using local procurement to the greatest extent possible.