[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 23 (Tuesday, February 23, 2010)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E210]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




           RECOGNIZING HOUSE RESOLUTIONS IN SUPPORT OF HAITI

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. CHARLES B. RANGEL

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, February 23, 2010

  Mr. RANGEL. Madam Speaker, I stand before you to express my support 
for the three House Resolutions on today's legislative calendar 
honoring the Americans who responded courageously and humanely after 
the devastating earthquake in Haiti on January 12th.
  We all remember the startling and sobering televised images of the 
aftermath of the earthquake. The men and women being honored today, in 
the military and amongst our first responders, ran to the epicenter of 
this tragedy to help save lives. I am proud to join my colleagues in 
recognizing these individuals with House Resolutions H. Res. 1066, H. 
Res. 1059, and H. Res. 1048. I would especially like to recognize New 
York Task Force One, the FEMA-sponsored urban search and rescue team, 
made up of 80 members of the New York Police Department and the Fire 
Department of New York, who were successful in freeing six individuals 
from the rubble.
  The immediate response from our citizens to the tragedy in Haiti has 
been heartwarming, demonstrating the decency and compassion we all have 
for our fellow mankind during difficult times. Even those who have not 
been formally recognized in the resolutions noted above are partners in 
this shared effort to overcome such a disaster. Within 24 hours 
following the quake, we saw Americans from a cross section of society--
from elected officials in Washington to everyday residents all over New 
York City--reach out and offer assistance. Even today, the statistics 
are hard to believe, almost 50 percent of Americans have donated to the 
Haitian relief efforts and there are still thousands waiting in line 
for their turn to assist on the grounds.
  As a nation, it has warmed my heart to see us dedicate our efforts, 
and commit ourselves to supporting, the long-suffering Haitian people, 
now and into the future.
  Madam Speaker, I join my colleagues in recognizing those who offered 
their time and effort to assist those in Haiti and challenge them to 
stay the course until Haiti is made whole again.

                          ____________________