The Michigan House of Representatives unanimously adopted House Resolution 303 this week, sponsored by state Rep. Abdullah Hammoud (D-Dearborn), urging Congress and the President of the United States to immediately send humanitarian aid to Lebanon in response to the catastrophic port explosion in Beirut. HR 303 identifies medical supplies, medication and emergency funding as critical to addressing the aftermath of the blast that killed more than 150 people, wounded more than 5,000 and destroyed port infrastructure responsible for roughly 60 percent of Lebanon’s imports, including food resources.
“In addition to an ongoing economic collapse and global pandemic, this catastrophic incident has served to exacerbate an already challenging and dire situation for people of Lebanon,” said Hammoud. “Like so many other Michigan residents, I still have family living in Lebanon who shared horrific stories. Images of a bride being blown over by the force of the blast during her wedding photoshoot, a father shielding his son from danger, and countless others still shake me to my core. We must heed this call for help and lend a hand, and I’m proud to have had so many of my colleagues join me in urging the federal government to step up and do their part as global citizens.”
House Resolution 303 received broad, bipartisan support with over 80 representatives signing on as co-sponsors.