Washington - US Senator Robert Menendez (D-NJ), Chairman of the Foreign Relations Subcommittee that oversees US foreign assistance, today released the following statement on the devastating Italian earthquake that has killed more than 200, injured thousands more and has partially or fully destroyed many historic buildings:

"The scope and devastation of this disaster are simply horrific, and the Italian people deserve our full support. The United States stands ready to lend a helping hand where we might be needed in the rescue and recovery process, and I pledge to do whatever might be asked of me as the chairman of the Foreign Relations subcommittee in charge of foreign assistance. Our thoughts and prayers are with the victims and their families in Italy during these trying times. There are many Italian-American families and friends in New Jersey and our thoughts and prayers are with them as well."

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