Hurricane Melissa has affected millions in the Caribbean, and will have infrastructural, economic, and humanitarian consequences for years to come. The Category 5 hurricane was one of the strongest ever in the Atlantic basin with winds of 185 miles per hour and historic wind gusts of 252 miles per hour. The Caribbean experienced billions of dollars’ worth of damage. In Jamaica alone, the hurricane leveled houses and infrastructure equal to a third of the country’s gross domestic product.
 
As the world leader in international disaster relief, our nation should continue to commit itself to providing support for those in the Caribbean directly affected by Hurricane Melissa. That is why I am introducing a resolution urging the federal government to provide sustained foreign aid to assist those impacted by Hurricane Melissa, while also encouraging state and local agencies and nonprofit partners, to coordinate with Caribbean diaspora organizations, faith‐based groups, and international relief organizations to promote awareness and recovery efforts.
 
Standing in solidarity with the affected Caribbean nations will be important to the over 90,000 Pennsylvanians and over 3,000,000 Americans who are of West Indian descent. Many of these people have lost communication with family members who still reside in the Caribbean, and some may have sadly lost relatives and friends to the hurricane. By standing with Caribbeans near and far, we can demonstrate Pennsylvania’s commitment to multiculturalism and humanitarianism. I ask that you stand by those who have been harmed by this disaster by co-sponsoring this timely and critical resolution.