U.S. Rep. Bill Pascrell, Jr. (D-NJ-09), representing one of the largest and most vibrant Turkish and Syrian American communities in the nation, today voted in favor of H.Res. 132, a resolution Pascrell helped introduce as an original cosponsor.

The resolution mourns the horrific loss of life caused by the earthquakes in Türkiye and Syria and applauds the heroic work of humanitarian aid and rescue workers, including those at United States Agency for International Development.

“Congress continues to move with urgency to help the victims of the dreadful earthquakes in Türkiye and Syria,” said Rep. Pascrell, whose Ninth District includes a large Turkish and Syrian American diaspora.

“Every day in our community, our Turkish and Syrian American neighbors express anguish about the suffering in Türkiye and Syria. The pain in their voices is palpable and the suffering overseas is overwhelming. I was proud to help introduce this bipartisan resolution to recognize the victims and am glad the full House has approved it. I will continue to support the Administration to ensure any and all assistance is provided for the recovery of the Turkish and Syrian people impacted. Now is a time for action to decrease suffering and misery. America is not standing idle to the needs of the Turkish and Syrian people.”

Last week, Congressman Pascrell attended a prayer service at Ulu Cami Mosque in Paterson.

On February 17, Pascrell also led an effort by 34 Members of Congress demanding continued assistance for the affected region by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID).