WASHINGTON, Nov 17: Several prominent US lawmakers on Thursday urged the Bush administration on Thursday to raise its contributions to the earthquake relief and rehabilitation efforts in Pakistan to $1 billion. The proposal was presented by two key members of the Congressional Pakistan Caucus, Senator Dan Burton and Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee, and was supported by other legislators as well.

“Our target is to seek up to $1 billion,” said Ms Lee, urging the administration to stay engaged with Pakistan.

“Pakistan is a staunch supporter of the United States in the ongoing war on terrorism. We must help them cope with this disaster,” said Tom Davis, chairman of the House Appropriations Committee.

Referring to his recent visit to Pakistan, Congressman Davis said: “I consider myself a friend of Pakistan. Our destinies are inter-twined and we must continue to work together.”

Earlier, an unusually large number of senators and congressmen attended a bipartisan breakfast on Capitol Hill to express solidarity with the earthquake victims.

Addressing the participants, about two dozen United States lawmakers urged the international community to come forward to help the survivors of the October 8 earthquake before it’s too late.

The lawmakers urged the US government and Congress to do more for the survivors before the severe winter makes life more difficult for them. The Congressional Pakistan Caucus and the Pakistani American Leadership Centre, vowed to work with the lawmakers to raise awareness about the earthquake in the US.

Pakistan’s deputy chief of mission, Mohammad Sadiq, said: “It’s a happy omen that all community organizations, political parties and community activists are working together for a noble cause.”