Letter to Congress Regarding Toxic Waste from U.S. Military Bases in the Philippines, September 18, 2000

September 18, 2000 

The Honorable Douglas K. Bereuter
Chairman, Subcommittee on Asia and the Pacific
House Committee on International Relations
2184 Rayburn House Office Building
Washington, D.C. 20515 

Dear Chairman Bereuter, 

I write to encourage your support for the resolution introduced by Representative Robert Underwood, H.Con.Res. 355, expressing "the sense of the Congress regarding environmental contamination and health effects emanating from the former United States military facilities in the Philippines." 

The Catholic bishops of the Philippines, especially the bishops of the four dioceses most affected by the continuing problems associated with the toxic waste, have brought this issue before the U.S. Catholic Conference as a matter of basic justice. Taking some action to alleviate this human tragedy would clearly be an important step in maintaining and improving our good relations with the people of the Philippines. 

Enclosed, for your information, is a copy of a letter sent to President Clinton by Bishop Joseph Fiorenza, President of the U.S. Catholic Conference, on this matter, as well as a statement of the bishops of the four dioceses most affected. 

Thank you for your consideration of these concerns. 

Sincerely yours, 

Gerard F. Powers
Director Office of International Justice and Peace
United States Catholic Conference