A resolution expressing support for the people affected by the natural disasters on Madeira Island.

Whereas on February 20, 2010, a powerful storm hit Madeira Island, the largest of the islands that comprise the Madeira Autonomous Region of Portugal, resulting in a series of devastating flash floods and mudslides;

Whereas the storm caused boulders, trees, and earth to be hurled against buildings, carried away vehicles, and washed away roads and bridges on the south side of Madeira Island, an area that includes Funchal, the capital of the Madeira Autonomous Region;

Whereas 42 people have lost their lives, 151 people have received treatment for injuries at the main hospital in Funchal, and hundreds of people have been displaced;

Whereas the storm destroyed a large portion of the water and communication infrastructure on Madeira Island;

Whereas José Sócrates, the Prime Minister of Portugal, has promised all necessary aid to Madeira, and Alberto João Gonçalves Jardim, the President of the Madeira Autonomous Region, has consulted with European Commission President José Manuel Barroso to seek further assistance;

Whereas a Portuguese Navy frigate has dispatched troops to Madeira Island, with Portuguese divers and a medical team also arriving to offer emergency assistance;

Whereas the Government of Portugal has announced 3 days of national mourning for those who lost their lives in this disaster;

Whereas the United States is providing assistance through the Office of Foreign Disaster Assistance of the United States Agency for International Development;

Whereas there are approximately 400 citizens of the United States on Madeira Island, with United States officials continually working to ensure their safety and well-being; and

Whereas a community of approximately 1,500,000 Portuguese-Americans, strongly represented in the States of Rhode Island and Massachusetts, maintain deep and enduring ties with Portugal and Madeira Island: Now, therefore, be it