U.S. Rep Eliot Engel (D-N.Y.) and five other members of Congress stopped in Bande Aceh, Indonesia, to drop off 10,000 pounds of emergency relief supplies for tsunami victims on Sunday, Jan. 16.

The U.S. Air Force jet was returning to the United States from North Korea where the congressional delegates led by Curt Weldon (R-Penn), had heard a promise from North Korean officials that their country would return to the 6-power nuclear talks. (see previous story)

"Delivering emergency relief supplies to the victims of the tsunami in Indonesia was one of the most profound moments of my life," Engel said in a news release. "The devastation to the region is almost beyond comprehension, and I was humbled by the opportunity to assist the people affected by this terrible tragedy. The image of the United States has recently taken a beating around the world, and I hope this visit to the region helps improve how people view America across the globe.” 

Further, he said, “I have never seen devastation at such an incredible level and so spread out. This is one of the worst tragedies of the 21st Century. I will never forget my visit, and I was honored to represent the United States in such a positive way.” 

The other four congressmen in the delegation were Solomon Ortiz (D-Tex), Sylvester Reyes (D-Tex), Roscoe Bartlett (D-Maryland) and Fred Upton (R-Mich).

        —Donald H. Harrison