AID. and U.S. Geological Survey are cooperating with Philippine authorities in identifying needed resources and assisting Philippine authorities to assess the scale of destruction. However. given the extent of the devastation. it is clear from my discussion with the Ambassador that the Philippine people will need additional assistance for the refugee relief effort underway. as well as for the rehabilitation and reconstruction of the affected areas. I understand the decision of the Philippine Government to withhold making any formal assistance request until the volcanic activity subsides and a complete damage assessment has been made. Our resolution voices the Senates support for the continued expeditious provision of all assistance available at the Presidents discretion. and the favorable consideration of a request for specified relief from the Philippine Government once it has been made to the Administration.