WASHINGTON—Representative Eliot L. Engel, Ranking Member of the House Committee on Foreign Affairs, today made the following statement:

“As a longtime friend of Mexico and the Mexican people, I'm heartbroken to see the loss of life caused by yesterday’s earthquake, especially the deaths of 20 children killed when their school collapsed. My thoughts are with their families and loved ones in this time of grief.

“Mexico is an important friend and ally and a country with which we share a critical partnership and deep people-to-people, cultural, and family ties. The United States must stand with the Mexican people at this difficult moment and provide whatever assistance is needed. I stand ready to work with my colleagues to ensure that Congress plays its part to provide that helping hand in the days and weeks ahead.”

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