[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 6 (Wednesday, January 20, 2010)]
[Senate]
[Pages S21-S22]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                                 HAITI

  Mr. BURRIS. Mr. President, I also wish to address a matter that is 
impacting our hemisphere; that is, the country of Haiti.
  In recent days, we have all heard the tragic news and seen the 
shocking images of the earthquake that devastated the nation of Haiti 
just last week.
  Even today, more than a week after the earthquake, the full measure 
of this catastrophe is difficult to ascertain.
  Relief workers have only just begun to go out into the cities and 
towns that surround the Haitian capital, and we are starting to get 
initial reports from the outlying areas.
  Essential infrastructure has been destroyed by the earthquake. 
Shelter, food, and water are in short supply, and it is nearly 
impossible to get aid to the people who need it most.
  But it is the human toll of this natural disaster that is truly the 
most horrifying.
  Estimates have soared to include over 200,000 people who may have 
died, and as many as 3 million who may be injured or homeless.

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  My thoughts and prayers are with all those whose lives have been 
touched by this terrible tragedy--those who have died, those who have 
been injured, and those who cannot yet get in touch with their loved 
ones.
  I know my colleagues on both sides of the aisle will join me in 
pledging steadfast support for the people of Haiti in this time of 
crisis.
  Haiti is one of the poorest nations on Earth, so this earthquake only 
compounds the challenges its people continue to face every day.
  There are shocking disparities between Haiti and all other nations 
within the Western Hemisphere, and this tragedy has only widened the 
gap and exposed these disparities for all to see.
  That is why it is especially gratifying that, in the wake of great 
calamity, America has answered the call again.
  I commend President Obama for his focused and timely humanitarian 
response to this situation, and I applaud the excellent work of the 
volunteers, rescue workers, and military personnel who have rushed to 
provide aid.
  They continue to save lives and provide care to those in need.
  And I will work with my colleagues here in the Senate and with the 
administration to make sure these people have the tools and resources 
they need to be a part of the recovery.
  Americans have already made a difference in the lives of many 
Haitians.
  But we can and should do more.
  The humanitarian crisis in Haiti is growing more desperate by the 
hour. In spite of the best efforts of relief workers, aid is not 
arriving fast enough, and thousands of lives hang in the balance.
  That is why the American people have already responded in record 
numbers to requests for help.
  They realize that, in many ways, the Haitian people are no different 
than ourselves.
  And while they are not our countrymen, they are our neighbors in the 
world community, and today they require our assistance.
  The American people have shown an extraordinary capacity for 
generosity. Donations and volunteers continue to stream into the 
disaster area. Here in Washington, we must do everything we can to 
encourage people to keep giving, and to make sure we can get supplies 
and assistance to those who need it most.
  We must pledge ourselves to this humanitarian cause--to the belief 
that, in the aftermath of great tragedy, we can help restore hope to 
the beleaguered people.
  Out of rubble, and chaos, and pain, we can help the people of Haiti 
begin to rebuild their lives and their country.
  We can play a constructive part in the rebirth of this island nation, 
to help them chart a new course as they emerge from these trials and 
hopefully relegate the days of poverty to the past.
  I ask my colleagues in this great body to join me in this pledge, and 
to join the millions of Americans who have already rallied to this 
cause. Both individually and as a nation, we can make a difference.
  In this situation, we must make a difference because some of our 
brothers and sisters in that country are in dire need of our assistance 
and help for which we have responded very aggressively and very 
favorably to help them.
  I yield the floor and suggest the absence of a quorum.
  The ACTING PRESIDENT pro tempore. The clerk will call the roll.
  The legislative clerk proceeded to call the roll.
  Mr. BURRIS. I ask unanimous consent that the order for the quorum 
call be rescinded.
  The ACTING PRESIDENT pro tempore. Without objection, it is so 
ordered.

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