Congressman Sherman Urges Secretary Clinton to Ensure U.S. Aid Reaches Affected Populations in Pakistan

WASHINGTON, DC – Congressman Brad Sherman (D-Sherman Oaks) recently sent a letter urging Secretary of State Hillary Clinton and U.S. Agency for International Development Administrator (USAID) Rajiv Shah to ensure that U.S. relief and recovery assistance for the 2010 Pakistan floods reaches all those in need. 

Pakistan is currently experiencing the most catastrophic flooding in over 80 years, impacting the lives of as many as 20 million people.  On August 15th, the U.N. reported that the Sindh’s situation is becoming critical with 35% of the Sindh under water and over 2 million affected by the flooding.  As of August 26th, the U.S. was providing $200 million in aid.  

          “The widespread devastation wrought by this disaster cannot be overstated,” Congressman Sherman wrote in the letter.  Sherman further expressed his concern that a lack of oversight may prevent U.S. assistance from reaching the people most severely impacted by the flooding.  He states, “I remain concerned that U.S. assistance will not reach those who need it most.  Reports of corruption arose in the aftermath of the 2005 earthquake in Kashmir.  Many survivors continued to await internationally-funded Pakistani assistance to rebuild their homes more than one year after the earthquake.”