More than 123,000 people have been killed in 11 nations by tsunamis propelled by a severe earthquake that struck in the Indian Ocean Sunday.

Chairman of the House International Relations Committee, Rep. Henry Hyde, R-Ill., said the visit next week will help shape Congress's involvement in relief efforts for the victims who now face a cholera epidemic.

The delegation will be led by Rep. Jim Leach, R-Iowa, chairman of the Subcommittee on East Asia and the Pacific.

Hyde also announced plans to introduce legislation early next month to assist the victims.

"We share in the grief of the people who have been tragically affected by this disaster and stand with them in their determination to recover and rebuild their lives," Hyde said.