Washington - US Senator Robert Menendez, member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, today released the statement below following the 5.8 magnitude earthquake that hit northern Italy this morning. According to reports, more than 200 people were injured, seven are missing, and more than fifteen have been reported dead.

"This is an unfortunate tragedy that couldn't come at a worse time for Italy, just nine days after another earthquake in the same vicinity. Our thoughts and prayers are with the Italian people, especially with the families of those who perished or were injured. The United States stands ready to do everything it can to help Italy and the European Community, and I call on the White House and the State Department to respond quickly to any request for humanitarian assistance from Italian authorities. As a member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, I will do everything I can to help ensure that Italy, our friend and ally, can recover swiftly and successfully from this catastrophe."

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