This week the American Red Cross is celebrating its 100th anniversary of humanitarian service to peoples who are the victims of disaster locally. nationally. and internationally. Since the Congress chartered the American Red Cross pursuant to the first Geneva Convention on Humanitarian Law. the various chapters of the American Red Cross have faithfully carried out their mandate for 100 years by developing nationwide volunteer blood services and other vital health. safety. and voluntary services in communities across the United States and throughout the world by helping people avoid emergencies. preparing for emergencies. and coping with emergencies whenever they occur. Whether the problem is a town destroyed by a tornado in the United States or in a refugee camp in Southeast Asia or. recently. the Horn of Africa. the members of the American Red Cross have shown time and time again that their organization is indispensible. The Subcommittee on Human Rights and International Organizations. which I chair. has oversight jurisdiction. and we have had an opportunity to observe the tremendous work that is being done by both the American chapters and the International Red Cross. Mr.