[Congressional Record Volume 150, Number 26 (Wednesday, March 3, 2004)]
[House]
[Page H757]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                                 HAITI

  (Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas asked and was given permission to address 
the House for 1 minute and to revise and extend her remarks.)
  Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas. Mr. Speaker, yesterday was Texas 
Independence Day, March 2. This Nation and our people value both 
independence and democracy. But it is sad to note that a small nation 
by the name of Haiti has not received the same amount of respect, 
collegiality, and assistance that this country could be called to do. 
It is shameful that we have in the dark of night the question of 
whether or not a duly elected democratic President, President Aristide, 
was taken away from his home without his free will.
  People are dying in the streets of Haiti. The question becomes what 
happened to President Aristide and why he was removed against his will. 
The question becomes whether or not this Nation will engage with 
insurgents and thugs and drug dealers, as the opposition represents; 
whether or not we will tolerate the continued pillaging and the loss of 
life; whether or not we will grant temporary protective status for 
Haitians who are here in fear of their life; and whether or not we 
respect those who are fleeing from persecution by granting individual 
asylum hearings.
  Mr. Speaker, this Nation can do better. We can do better with our 
allies and friends. Why are we not doing better for Haiti?

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