Rep. Kirk announces tsunami aid efforts

Kirk, R-10th, of Highland Park said he is working with Indian relief organizations from the area to schedule a fund-raising event to help disaster victims in villages along the eastern borders of India which were hard hit by the tsunami. A date and location has not yet been scheduled for the event.

"In the 10th District, we have a large Indian community so there's naturally a very high level of concern," he said.

Kirk said monetary donations also can be sent to his congressional office in Deerfield. He said residents should make their checks out to the American Red Cross.

Funds will go to help the tsunami relief efforts in southeast Asia and other devastated areas, he said.

Meanwhile, he said the president and Congress are working on a U.S. foreign assistance package of $350 million to help the disaster victims.

Kirk disputed criticisms the U.S. government was too slow in responding to the tsunami crisis, believed to be responsible for more than 150,000 deaths across southeast Asia, Indonesia, India and Africa.

"The amount of aid the U.S. is providing has been dramatically understated by the press," said Kirk. "The majority of the U.S. effort is not being counted but is essential to the relief operations."

President George Bush initially pledged about $35 million to the tsunami relief efforts but later announced an aid package that would total about $350 million. Kirk said the government also has provided substantial military assistance with helicopters, airplanes and supply ships needed to deliver relief supplies to the victims.

"We here in Washington are not only working on a $350 million aid package, but the president has sent over 20 ships to the region including the aircraft carrier Abraham Lincoln," said Kirk. "My guess is that the $35 million (initially pledged) will represent less than 5 percent of what the United States actually contributes. Our final contribution will probably be more than 20 times that amount."

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