[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 9 (Monday, January 25, 2010)]
[Senate]
[Page S190]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


                                 HAITI

  Mr. KAUFMAN. Mr. President, the world has been overwhelmed by the 
immeasurable scale of human suffering and devastation in Haiti. My 
thoughts and prayers are with the people of Haiti, the courageous 
humanitarian and peacekeeping workers, the countless victims, and their 
families in the wake of this horrific tragedy.
  The U.S. Government has responded with determination and resolve to 
help the people of Haiti. I am especially pleased with the rapid 
deployment of U.S. military, civilian, and medical personnel to Haiti, 
the pledge of $100 million in aid, and the work of the search and 
rescue teams. I am grateful for the role of U.S. Southern Command in 
leading the military efforts, and the vast coordinating 
responsibilities taken on by the U.S. Agency for International 
Development in conjunction with the Department of State. I was 
especially heartened earlier this week by the images of a U.S. rescue 
team surrounded by Haitians chanting ``U.S.A.!''
  While these and other courageous efforts of countless Americans are 
highly publicized, many Americans may not be aware of the role of U.S. 
international broadcasting, under the leadership of the Broadcasting 
Board of Governors, in assisting the people of Haiti. Shortly after the 
earthquake, Voice of America began Creole broadcasts on multiple 
frequencies in Haiti from Commando Solo, a C-130 aircraft operated by 
the 193rd Special Operations Wing. Since then, VOA Creole service has 
broadcast news and information on the relief efforts, utilizing 
reporters on the scene in Port-au-Prince and the surrounding areas, 24 
hours a day.
  The VOA Creole broadcasts include public service announcements with 
information and statements from U.S. Government agencies, including 
USAID and the Department of Defense, aimed at helping Haitians find 
immediate shelter, medical assistance, and aid. There are hourly public 
safety and relief supply updates, as well as a call-in line to 
broadcast messages from families and friends of the injured and 
missing. Ronald Cesar is running this program, with a small but very 
dedicated staff, and I thank all of them for their commitment to the 
disaster relief.
  Online, VOA has updated Twitter and Facebook feeds around the clock 
with the latest news and information about Haiti. All this coverage is 
making a difference. If you searched ``Haiti'' on Google News the 
weekend after the earthquake, the first hit was of a VOA news story, 
thanks to the presence of numerous VOA stringers reporting around the 
clock from Haiti.
  This response by VOA in Haiti is not new. It is indicative of the 
critical role of U.S. international broadcasting has played in similar 
situations throughout history. In 2008, when Kenya erupted into 
violence, VOA provided one of the sole sources of credible news and 
information worldwide. When the 2004 tsunami devastated Indonesia, 
Thailand, and countries across the Indian Ocean, VOA helped millions 
stay up to date with the international relief effort, providing news 
and valuable information on where to find assistance. The same was true 
in the 1990s in Somalia, the Balkans, and Rwanda, where VOA broadcasts 
played a critical role reuniting families torn apart by war and strife.
  The free flow of information is essential to managing any crisis 
situation, and U.S. international broadcasting has historically played, 
and continues to play, a critical role in disaster relief. It is in 
this regard that I wish to recognize the Broadcasting Board of 
Governors, and VOA in particular, as well as all U.S. civilian, 
military, and volunteer response teams for their invaluable service in 
Haiti. Their efforts demonstrate the best of America's generous spirit, 
and their compassion and dedication is making a difference to the 
millions of people in Haiti affected by this terrible tragedy.

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