In an unusual move to express its sense, the US Senate on Monday adopted a resolution to mourn the victims of a devastating earthquake which struck southwest China on May 12 and convey condolences and support to the Chinese people.

"The Senate mourns the horrific loss of life and terrible human suffering caused by the earthquake in the People's Republic of China on May 12, 2008," said the resolution, jointly submitted by Barbara Boxer, Democratic senator from California, and Lisa Murkowski, Republican senator from Alaska.

The Senate also expresses its "deep condolences" to the Chinese people and to all those affected by this enormous tragedy and its "profound sorrow" for the families of all who lost their loved ones, including those who suffered the heartbreaking loss of having their children trapped in schools that collapsed.

The Senate called on President George W. Bush to respond to any requests for humanitarian assistance made by the Chinese government, saying that it stands ready to support the provision of additional resources, as necessary, to assist those impacted by the earthquake which claimed at least 34,000 lives and injured 245,000 others.

Another 19 senators also co-sponsored the resolution. They include Senators Richard Durbin (the Democratic Whip), Joseph Biden (Chairman of Foreign Relations Committee), Richard Lugar (ranking member of Foreign Relations Committee), Chris Dodd (Chairman of the Committee on Banking, Housing and Urban Affairs), Dianne Feinstein (Chairman of Committee on Rules and Administration), Patrick Leahy (Chairman of Committee on the Judiciary), Hillary Clinton (Democratic presidential candidate) and Barack Obama (Democratic presidential candidate).

A similar resolution has been introduced in the House of Representatives and is expected to be adopted this week.

(Xinhua News Agency May 20, 2008)