Chairman Smith on the hearing: “We will report on our visit to Tacloban City–the epicenter of destruction by typhoon Haiyan–which to me resembled photos taken after the atomic bomb was dropped on Hiroshima, and hear from representatives of governmental and faith-based organizations involved in the emergency relief efforts. We will take note of the great efforts of our own military and USAID in acting as first responders and in delivering aid to the victims of the disaster.  We will also salute the faith-filled resiliency of the Filipino people, with whom Americans share a unique bond of closeness that was cemented in the dark days of World War II, when American and Filipino soldiers fought and died together in the cause of liberty.”

Opening Statements

Rep. Christopher H. Smith, Chairman
[full text of opening statement]

Witnesses

Panel I

The Honorable Nancy Lindborg
Assistant Administrator
Bureau for Democracy, Conflict and Humanitarian Assistance
U.S. Agency for International Development
[full text of statement]

Panel II

Mr. Sean Callahan
Chief Operating Officer
Catholic Relief Services
[full text of statement]
[truth in testimony form]

Mr. Chris Palusky
Senior Director
Humanitarian and Emergency Affairs
World Vision
[full text of statement]
[truth in testimony form]
____________________________

Hearing transcript (PDF)