U.S. President George W. Bush on Saturday offered a long list of ways the United States is trying to help victims of the deadly tsunami in South Asia. "In this time of grief for so many around the world, Americans have come together to pray for the victims and families of the tsunami disaster," Bush said in his weekly radio address. "We think especially of the children who have been lost, and the survivors searching for their families. And we offer our sustained compassion and generosity as the people of the devastated region begin to rebuild." The administration's pledge of US$350 million (¤265.15 million) _ which Bush called only an "initial commitment" and is essentially a line of credit that can be spent as American relief officials identify needs _ ranks fourth behind Australia, Japan and Germany. Other U.S. government contributions to the effort include a massive showing by the military that has sent ships, planes and helicopters to the region to ferry aid and supplies to the suffering. "We are rushing food, medicine, and other vital supplies to the region," Bush said. "We are focusing efforts on helping the women and children who need special attention, including protection from the evil of human trafficking." On Monday, Bush is to hear U.S. Secretary of State Colin Powell's in-person report from his damage-inspection tour of the Indian Ocean region. Powell was to recommend what the United States should do next.
