[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 15 (Tuesday, February 2, 2010)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E118]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




      H. RES. 1021, EXPRESSING CONDOLENCES FOR THE PEOPLE OF HAITI

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                          HON. BETTY McCOLLUM

                              of minnesota

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, February 2, 2010

  Ms. McCOLLUM. Madam Speaker, I rise today to join my colleagues in 
support of H. Res. 1021, expressing condolences for the people of Haiti 
in the aftermath of last month's tragic earthquake. This catastrophe 
devastated an already impoverished nation. My thoughts and prayers are 
with the people of Haiti, their relatives, and the entire Haitian-
American community.
  Today, Congress conveys its solidarity with the people of Haiti in 
their hour of need, and we honor the men and women from around the 
world who have come to their aid. I applaud President Obama's swift and 
resolute response to this humanitarian crisis. The United States 
Government, in cooperation with the Government of Haiti, the United 
Nations, and the international community, has mobilized every available 
resource to save lives.
  The American people have once again shown their generosity to those 
in need around the world. In the midst an economic downturn, families 
in Minnesota and across the United States have donated over $200 
million to help our neighbors in Haiti. Yesterday, I joined my 
colleagues to unanimously pass H.R. 4462, a bill that would make such 
charitable donations to Haiti tax deductible. This legislation will 
encourage even more Americans to join the relief effort.
  Despite the rapid and robust global response, the months and years 
ahead will be extremely difficult for the people of Haiti. In the short 
term, the United States must continue to provide food, water, shelter, 
and medicine to victims of this catastrophe. It is also clear that 
Haiti needs a long-term strategy for recovery, and America and the 
international community must help. As a member of the State and Foreign 
Operations Appropriations Subcommittee, I will continue to support a 
comprehensive recovery and development strategy to help Haiti rebuild 
its infrastructure and increase economic opportunity for its citizens. 
As Haiti's neighbor, and as the wealthiest nation in the world, the 
United States must lead the international effort to help Haiti back 
onto its feet.

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