[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 7 (Thursday, January 21, 2010)]
[House]
[Pages H315-H316]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                                 HAITI

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under a previous order of the House, the 
gentleman from Kansas (Mr. Moran) is recognized for 5 minutes.
  Mr. MORAN of Kansas. Mr. Speaker, since the earthquake hit Haiti on 
January 12, we have all watched with sadness as the death toll rose, 
prayed for those affected, and rejoiced when survivors were found. It 
is an event that has directly touched the lives of people around the 
world, including many at home in Kansas.
  I have heard some incredibly touching stories about Kansans affected 
by the earthquake. Many were in Haiti already serving the people of 
Haiti and caring for people who are less fortunate than they are.
  Thirty-one-year-old Ann Varghese, a graduate of Southeast High School 
in Wichita and the University of Kansas, was trapped under the rubble 
of a hotel for 55 hours. In a tiny dark space just 3 feet high and 5 
feet long, Ann spent over 2 days with five other people without water 
and sharing only gum and a lone Tootsie Pop. Though nothing short of a 
miracle, Ann made it out alive, but sadly for two of her colleagues who 
were trapped, they did not.
  Kim Bentrott of Belleville, Kansas, and her husband, Patrick, remain 
in Haiti. They made it out of their third-floor apartment just before 
the building collapsed. Employed through Global Ministries, they have 
lost their headquarters, school, offices, and medical clinic, but must 
stay to complete the process of adopting a son, Solomon. Now 14 months 
old, Kim and Patrick rescued Solomon from a Haitian orphanage as a 
newborn, and their dedication to providing a loving family for Solomon 
is an inspiration.
  Six residents of the Dodge City, Kansas, area, including John Maples 
and Greg Love of Montezuma, Terry and Martha Major and Doug McGraw of 
Pierceville, and Clayton Stolzfus of Meade, all survived the 
catastrophic earthquake. Unfortunately, this team from Independent 
Christian Alliance Ministries is still awaiting word when a possible 
return to the United States can be accomplished.
  On a brighter note, Naomi Streck, a Norton native and Wichita State 
graduate, is part of a 21-member team from Center for Children 
International Lifeline that escaped unhurt and has returned to Kansas.
  Then there is Scott and Wanda Miller of Hesston, who are now safely 
home with their newly adopted Haitian son, 16-year-old Junior Oranvil 
Miller.
  Many others, such as Jake and Amy Glover of Hays, Kansas, are among 
the families currently in the process of adopting children and awaiting 
news from Haiti. Even today, we put pressure on the Department of State 
to see that this adoption is completed and that their child can be 
returned to them in the United States.
  I am proud to recognize these great individuals and many other 
Kansans who have devoted their lives to the betterment of Haiti through 
many years before the crisis and will do so into the future. It gives 
me hope to see so many Americans and people around the world putting 
aside cultural, racial, and political differences to band together in 
our effort to rebuild the damaged nation.
  All who have donated money and supplies, served on search and rescue 
teams and have prayed for those affected deserve our gratitude. Today 
it was announced that the Kansas National Guard will be sending 
soldiers to Haiti from their current assignment at Guantanamo Bay. We 
express our appreciation, and we express our support

[[Page H316]]

and concern for them and their families.
  As for those of us in Congress, we are committed to doing everything 
in our power to ensure a swift and safe conclusion to this crisis. The 
people of Haiti and those affected by this tragedy are in my thoughts 
and our family's prayers.

                          ____________________