Washington, D.C.-Senate Foreign Relations Committee Chairman John Kerry (D-MA) released the following statement on the 8.9-magnitude earthquake and resulting tsunami that struck Japan early this morning:
"Our hearts and prayers go out to the people of Japan as they seek to cope with a devastating earthquake and tsunami. Japan is our close friend and ally, and the United States stands shoulder-to-shoulder with the Japanese people during this time of need. First responders and military forces from Japan and the United States train regularly to react to natural disasters, and just as we have worked together to aid countries such as Burma, Indonesia, and the Philippines, we will spare no effort now as rescue and recovery operations get underway in Japan. We will continue to watch closely for tsunamis in the Pacific, and stand ready to assist our citizens as well as our friends and partners in surrounding countries with humanitarian and disaster assistance."
