[Congressional Record Volume 157, Number 194 (Friday, December 16, 2011)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2298]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




        INTRODUCING WHITE HOUSE CONFERENCE ON HAITI ACT OF 2011

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                         HON. ALCEE L. HASTINGS

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                       Friday, December 16, 2011

  Mr. HASTINGS of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to introduce the 
White House Conference on Haiti Act of 2011. This important piece of 
legislation would call on the President of the United States to convene 
a White House Conference on Haiti within the next calendar year.
  As we are all well aware, in January of last year, a 7.0 magnitude 
earthquake rocked the already struggling nation of Haiti. Approximately 
three million people were affected and 230,000 are estimated to have 
died. Those who survived continue to face unimaginable conditions with 
a crumbling infrastructure and recurring Cholera outbreaks.
  If there is a silver lining to this unimaginable tragedy, it is that 
out of this, the Haitian people have been given the incredible 
opportunity to right the wrongs of the past and rebuild their nation 
stronger than ever before. Millions of dollars in aid have flooded into 
the country and thousands of aid organizations are committed to 
building a sustainable recovery.
  Immediately following the earthquake, we all witnessed countless 
foreign governments and aid organizations pledging to stand with Haiti, 
and I have been inspired by the countless individuals throughout the 
globe who have donated their talents and services to the recovery and 
the many more who are eager to help, but simply don't know how.
  We cannot let this opportunity go to waste. However, with the 
possibility to do good comes the very real possibility of waste, 
duplication, and inefficiencies in the rebuilding and recovery process.
  Under this bill, the major stakeholders in the rebuilding, along with 
other interested parties, will come together to share their knowledge 
and best practices and identify gaps in the recovery process. It is my 
hope that out of this Conference, opportunities for collaboration and 
coordination in projects big and small will emerge.
  The Conference will also highlight innovative ideas for rebuilding 
and redevelopment in Haiti. From inexpensive hurricane and earthquake 
proof housing and green building techniques to sustainable economic 
practices and urban development. There are countless companies and 
individuals who have developed groundbreaking concepts in response to 
this tragedy, but they have yet to be connected with those who can put 
these ideas into practices or with others pursuing similar goals who 
may be able to improve upon their initiatives. Innovation does not 
happen in a bubble; great things can happen when great minds come 
together.
  Further, Haitians living abroad are eager to help their brothers and 
sisters in Haiti, but many simply do not know where to begin. The White 
House Conference on Haiti will tap the immense resource that is the 
Haitian Diaspora by bringing their abilities together with those who 
are in a position to use them.
  Most importantly however, the White House Conference on Haiti will 
help ensure that the challenges facing the Haitian people remain in the 
public eye and in the minds of all Americans.
  While the United States has been instrumental in the recovery and 
rebuilding from countless natural and man-made disasters throughout the 
world, few international tragedies have had as deep an impact on the 
United States, and particularly the State of Florida, as this one.
  Helping our Haitian neighbors is not only the right thing to do; it 
is also in our own nation's best interests. Just a stone's throw from 
our shores, instability in Haiti impacts our own economy and 
immigration levels.
  Our nation's rapid, comprehensive response, from our government down 
to everyday Americans, has been commendable, but the President and this 
administration are in a position to do more. This legislation would not 
be a costly endeavor, but could stand to save millions of dollars that 
could be used to improve the lives of the Haitian people for 
generations to come.
  At a time of continued instability and crisis, the United States must 
do all within its power to help ensure a long-term sustainable recovery 
for Haiti.
  I ask my colleagues to support this legislation and urge the House 
Leadership to bring it swiftly to the House floor for consideration.

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