US Congress hails Turkey's coronavirus aid to Maryland

The US-based Turkish American National Steering Committee (TASC) said US Congressional Record recognized the contribution of the committee and Turkey in fight against coronavirus.

"US Congressional Record recognizes TASC and Republic of Turkey in fight against COVID-19 in Maryland and the United States," the TASC tweeted late Monday.

"@RepDavidTrone @StateMaryland We Turkish Americans stands with American people. Be Negative on COVID, Stay Positive on Life," the commitee added.

Trone addressed the House of Representatives to express his gratitude for the "generosity" of Turkish Americans and their "gracious" support to Marylanders, according to the record issued on Friday.

"... I rise today to recognize the Turkish American National Steering Committee (TASC), which is lead by Potomac resident Gunay Evinch, and the Turkish Exporters Assembly, which is lead by Mr. Ismail Gulle, for their humanitarianism and generosity in donating critical personal protective equipment (PPE) to the State of Maryland," he said.

He noted that the two organizations delivered more than 100,000 surgical masks and 1,000 surgical suits to the Maryland Office of the Secretary of State late July.

"These PPE deliveries complement shipments made by the Turkish Republic, which sent two military cargo plane loads of PPE, including surgical masks, surgical suits, disinfectant, goggles, N-95 masks, and face shields," Trone said.

He added that he is "heartened" to see contributions like those made by the Turkish American community.

The US is the worst-hit country by the pandemic, with more than 6 million cases and an excess of 183,600 fatalities, according to a running tally by Johns Hopkins University. In all, nearly 2.1 million American patients have recovered.