[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 11 (Wednesday, January 27, 2010)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E103]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




    EMERGENCY AID TO AMERICAN SURVIVORS OF THE HAITI EARTHQUAKE ACT

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                               speech of

                           HON. NIKI TSONGAS

                            of massachusetts

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, January 26, 2010

  Ms. TSONGAS. Madam Speaker, I rise today in support of S. 2949, the 
Emergency Aid to American Survivors of the Haiti Earthquake Act. The 
true scope and magnitude of the heartbreaking tragedy in Haiti continue 
to unfold. Hundreds of thousands of Haitians are still without reliable 
access to water, food, shelter, and other basic essentials. Children of 
all ages find themselves without family, relatives, or loved ones. 
While remarkable humanitarian efforts continue to reach more of those 
in need every day, the rebuilding effort in Haiti is one that will take 
more than a decade.
  Americans across the country have been moved by the terrible disaster 
and have generously given support in any way that they can. In the 
Merrimack Valley and the Fifth District of Massachusetts which I 
represent, concerned residents have volunteered their time, donated 
money, organized fundraising efforts, and provided needed supplies. For 
example, this weekend, a restaurant in Lawrence, Massachusetts is 
providing free lunch to all those making a donation to the Haiti relief 
fund.
  Our military has also done incredible work in reaching survivors, 
opening airports in order to facilitate the distribution of aid, and 
helping to maintain order.
  I am pleased that the House of Representatives will pass bipartisan 
legislation to extend temporary aid to help the thousands of Americans 
who are evacuating Haiti in the aftermath of the devastating 
earthquake.
  As of Monday, 14,000 American citizens have been evacuated from 
Haiti, with 40 percent of them receiving temporary repatriation 
assistance. The Emergency Aid to American Survivors of the Haiti 
Earthquake Act will provide these individuals with help in securing and 
paying for connecting flights, temporary lodging, food, and medical 
assistance.
  Last week, Congress passed and the President signed bipartisan 
legislation, which I cosponsored, speeding up the tax deduction for 
charitable contributions for Haiti so that individuals making 
contributions by the end of February can claim these charitable 
contributions on their 2009 tax return.
  The need in Haiti will be great for many years to come. Support from 
U.S. foreign aid agencies and the international community will be 
essential, along with efforts from ordinary citizens, like the one 
taking place in Lawrence this weekend.

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