[Congressional Bills 111th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[H. Res. 1048 Engrossed in House (EH)]

H. Res. 1048

                In the House of Representatives, U. S.,

                                                     February 23, 2010.
Whereas, on January 12, 2010, a 7.0 magnitude earthquake struck the country of 
        Haiti;
Whereas casualty estimates, upwards of 150,000, as well as damage to roads, 
        ports, hospitals, and homes, make this earthquake one of the worst 
        catastrophes to hit Haiti in over two centuries;
Whereas an estimated 3,000,000 people have been directly affected by the 
        disaster in Haiti, nearly one-third of the country's population, who are 
        currently at risk of long-term displacement and vulnerability;
Whereas Haiti is the poorest, least developed country in the Western Hemisphere;
Whereas prior to the earthquake, Haiti was recovering from a terrible string of 
        hurricanes and tropical storms, food shortages and rising commodity 
        prices, and political instability, but was showing signs of improvement 
        and resolve;
Whereas President Obama vowed the ``unwavering support'' of the United States 
        and pledged a ``swift, coordinated and aggressive effort to save lives 
        and support the recovery in Haiti'';
Whereas the people of Haiti have shown remarkable resilience and courage in the 
        face of epic tragedy;
Whereas the United States Navy responded within hours of the earthquake to 
        swiftly provide the Haitians with aid;
Whereas the USNS Comfort and its crew of more than 1,200 has provided 24-hour 
        care for over 900 Haitians, ranging from newborns to critically ill 
        patients;
Whereas the USNS Comfort's over 550-person medical staff includes trauma 
        surgeons, orthopedic surgeons, head and neck surgeons, eye surgeons, and 
        obstetricians and gynecologists;
Whereas the medical staff of the USNS Comfort, as of February 18, 2010, had 
        performed over 755 surgeries;
Whereas the extraordinary USNS Comfort medical staff has saved countless lives;
Whereas the people of the United States empathize with the medical staff of the 
        USNS Comfort who must make agonizing decisions about the use of scarce 
        resources for critically ill patients;
Whereas prior to the arrival of the USNS Comfort, the USS Carl Vinson dutifully 
        provided initial triage of patients; and
Whereas the USNS Comfort and the USS Carl Vinson have been aided in their 
        efforts by other Navy vessels, including the crews of the USS Higgins, 
        the USS Underwood, the USS Normandy, the USS Bunker Hill, the USS 
        Bataan, the USS Carter Hall, the USS Gunston Hall, the USS Fort McHenry, 
        the USNS Grasp, the Navy Underwater Construction Team One, and the Navy 
        Mobile Diving Salvage Unit Two: Now, therefore, be it
    Resolved, That the House of Representatives--
            (1) expresses its deepest condolences and sympathy for the horrific 
        loss of life and the physical and psychological damage caused by the 
        earthquake of January 12, 2010;
            (2) expresses solidarity with Haitians, Haitian-Americans, and all 
        those who have lost loved ones or have otherwise been affected by the 
        tragedy;
            (3) commends the efforts of the people of the United States, 
        including the Haitian-American community, to provide relief to families, 
        friends, and unknown peoples suffering in the country; and
            (4) commends the efforts and honors the work of the men and women of 
        USNS Comfort and the United States Navy in the immediate response to 
        those affected by this calamity.
            Attest:

                                                                          Clerk.