[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 10 (Tuesday, January 26, 2010)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E91]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                    EXPRESSING CONDOLENCES TO HAITI

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                             HON. RON PAUL

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, January 20, 2010

  Mr. PAUL. Madam Speaker, I rise in reluctant opposition to this 
resolution. Certainly I am moved by the horrific destruction in Haiti 
and would without hesitation express condolences to those who have 
suffered and continue to suffer. As a medical doctor, I have through my 
career worked to alleviate the pain and suffering of others. 
Unfortunately, however, this resolution does not simply express our 
condolences, but rather it commits the U.S. government ``to begin the 
reconstruction of Haiti'' and affirms that ``the recovery and long-term 
needs of Haiti will require a sustained commitment by the United 
States. . . .'' I do not believe that a resolution expressing our deep 
regret and sorrow over this tragedy should be used to commit the United 
States to a ``long-term'' occupation of Haiti during which time the 
U.S. government will provide for the reconstruction of that country.
  I am concerned over the possibility of an open-ended U.S. military 
occupation of Haiti and this legislation does nothing to alleviate my 
concerns. On the contrary, when this resolution refers to the need for 
a long-term U.S. plan for Haiti, I see a return to the failed attempts 
by the Clinton and Bush Administrations to establish Haiti as an 
American protectorate. Already we are seeing many argue that this kind 
of humanitarian mission is a perfect fit for the U.S. military. I do 
not agree.
  Certainly I would support and encourage the efforts of the American 
people to help the people of Haiti at this tragic time. I believe that 
the American people are very generous on their own and fear that a U.S. 
government commitment to reconstruct Haiti may actually discourage 
private contributions. Mr. Speaker, already we see private U.S. 
citizens and corporations raising millions of dollars for relief and 
reconstruction of Haiti. I do not believe the U.S. government should 
get in the way of these laudable efforts. I do express my condolences 
but I unfortunately must urge my colleagues to vote against this 
resolution committing the United States government to rebuild Haiti.

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