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Meng Introduces Legislation that Aims to Help Nepal Recover from Devastating Earthquakes

March 21, 2016

U.S. Rep. Grace Meng (D-NY) introduced bi-partisan legislation that seeks to help Nepal recover from the massive earthquakes that devastated the country in April and May of 2015. The two earthquakes struck the capital of Kathmandu and the surrounding areas. More than 8,700 people were killed and hundreds of thousands were injured.

The Nepal Recovery Act (H.R. 4674) authorizes the President to provide assistance for rebuilding vital infrastructure – such as homes, schools, health facilities, roads and bridges – that were destroyed by the earthquakes. It also contains reporting requirements to ensure accountability, and measure the effectiveness of U.S. investments in these priorities.

“The people of Nepal have suffered through a horrific ordeal,” said Meng, a member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee and its Subcommittee on Asia and the Pacific. “Entire villages were destroyed and national infrastructure was demolished. Almost one year later, hundreds of thousands of people are still homeless, living in huts and tents. Our hearts continue to go out to everyone who is impacted by the devastation. Although the headlines and coverage have faded, the suffering has not. The U.S. must continue to assist with much needed relief efforts.”

Meng’s bipartisan legislation is cosponsored by Foreign Affairs Committee Ranking Member Eliot Engel (D-NY), Subcommittee on Asia and the Pacific Chair Matt Salmon (R-AZ), Subcommittee on Asia and the Pacific Ranking Member Brad Sherman (D-CA), Congressional Nepal Caucus Co-chair Rep. Ander Crenshaw (R-FL), Congressional Nepal Caucus Co-chair Rep. Jared Polis (D-CO) and Rep. Joseph Crowley (D-NY).

“As the people of Nepal work to rebuild and recover from this horrible tragedy, there should be no doubt that they have a friend in the United States,” said Rep. Engel. “It will take years to move past this earthquake, and nothing can replace those who were lost, but we must do all we can to help Nepal get on track. This measure will provide support for restoring critical infrastructure and assistance for Nepal’s most vulnerable. I want to thank Representative Meng for her leadership and compassion, and I’m pleased to support her legislation.”

“It is an honor to introduce this bill with Congresswoman Meng,” said Rep.Salmon. “The aftermath of the devastating earthquake in Nepal is far from over. This bill takes steps to affirm and build a long-term partnership with Nepal to aid in the country’s recovery. The delivery of U.S. programs that enhance economic growth and reconstruction efforts, as well as reinforces democratic governance, are essential elements of our engagement with Nepal.”

“Our deepest sympathies go out to the victims of this tragedy. I commend all the aid workers and individuals who are contributing to the relief effort, and it is my hope that United States will do all it can to continue assisting the people of Nepal,” said Rep. Sherman. “Nepal has long struggled economically - after the search and rescue phase, the international community should strive to help rebuild Nepal into a strong, self-sustaining nation.”

“Relief efforts continue in Nepal, where close to a year ago earthquakes ravaged Kathmandu and nearby areas killing nearly 9,000 people, injuring hundreds of thousands, and destroying precious infrastructure,” said Rep. Crenshaw. “The Nepal Recovery Act aims to provide continued aid as well as provisions to ensure that U.S. aid is being put to the best use possible and Nepalese are protected during a vulnerable time in their country.”

“Nepal has shown extraordinary resilience in the wake of last year’s earthquake. While a significant amount of progress has been achieved, there still remains a long road to full recovery,” said Rep. Polis. “As we approach the anniversary of this tragic event, the US must continue our assistance for the Nepalese people, and provide the essential support to improve the situation of those who are still suffering.”

“As we approach the one year anniversary of these catastrophic earthquakes, our hearts remain with the people of Nepal as they continue down the arduous path of rebuilding homes, villages, and their lives,” said Rep. Crowley, Vice Chair of the Democratic Caucus and whose district includes a growing Nepali population. “Emergency relief is the critical first step, but now there must be a focus on the long-term effort to rebuild Nepal’s infrastructure and economy, as well as improve the lives of the Nepali people. I’m proud to join Congresswoman Meng in support of legislation that will go a long way in helping Nepal fully recover from this terrible tragedy.”

Meng’s bill also aims to address the vulnerability of young girls and boys in Nepal who are often at higher risk of trafficking, sexual exploitation and other forms of abuse during emergencies. In addition, it seeks to prohibit construction that uses forced or child labor, and encourages reconstruction in a way that fosters resilience to future earthquakes and other natural disasters. The measure also supports economic growth through agriculture and entrepreneurship opportunities, and promotes health and education programs.

Last May, Meng called on the Administration to grant Temporary Protected Status (TPS) to Nepalese nationals who were in the United States when and immediately after the earthquake, which it eventually did. The move protects citizens of Nepal from deportation or detainment so that they are not forced to return to dangerous and unsafe conditions that the earthquake caused in their country. TPS will remain in place through December 24, 2016.

This bill has been referred to the House Committee on Foreign Affairs. A similar bill has been introduced in the U.S. Senate by Senator Ben Cardin (D-MD) and passed unanimously out of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee.