[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 7 (Thursday, January 21, 2010)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E71]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                    EXPRESSING CONDOLENCES TO HAITI

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                       HON. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, January 20, 2010

  Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas.
  Madam Speaker, I rise today to support the resolution expressing 
condolences to and solidarity with the people of Haiti in the aftermath 
of the devastating earthquake of January 12, 2010.
  With reports of up to 200,000 deaths and more than 1.5 million people 
left homeless, this is the worst natural disaster incurred by Haiti in 
more than 200 years. As the poorest and least developed country in the 
Western Hemisphere, it is reassuring to see the United States and the 
international community coming together in solidarity to help this 
country in its hour of need. The 7.0 earthquake has caused upheaval for 
almost one-third of the Haitian population and wrecked the existing 
infrastructure, making roads impassable, hindering rescue/aid flights, 
and tainting water supplies.
  The earthquake's destruction spared no nationality, no class, no age, 
no religion. Thousands of American volunteers and missionaries were 
also lost; however, due to the selflessness and quick action of first-
responders, we are able to celebrate each life as survivors are found. 
The rescue effort has been led by rescue teams from around the world. 
Teams in Texas eagerly await the opportunity to deploy to Port-au-
Prince and various organizations in my district have been holding 
fundraisers to contribute to the effort. Americans have contributed 
over $200 million to major relief groups in just 7 days since this 
disaster, and their generosity will be important in the coming months 
as Haiti rebuilds its tangible resources as well as its national 
consciousness.
  Haitian recovery from the tragic events in its capital city will 
require continued support from the international community, and I urge 
my fellow colleagues to join me in supporting the resolution expressing 
condolences to and solidarity with the people of Haiti in the aftermath 
of the devastating earthquake of January 12, 2010.

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