[Congressional Record Volume 165, Number 10 (Thursday, January 17, 2019)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E63]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




    INTRODUCTION OF THE HAITIAN EDUCATIONAL EMPOWERMENT ACT OF 2019

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. ALCEE L. HASTINGS

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, January 17, 2019

  Mr. HASTINGS. Madam Speaker, I rise today in support of my bill, the 
Haitian Educational Empowerment Act of 2019.
  Thought the current occupant of the White House may want to have us 
believe that all is well in Haiti while, parenthetically, speaking of 
the country in derogatory and disgusting terms, those of us who truly 
know this country, those of us who truly care about the country and the 
Haitian Diaspora, know that Haiti remains on the road to recovery. The 
rebuilding continues from not only Hurricane Matthew, but the 2010 
earthquake and the cholera outbreak, all of which continue to provide 
roadblocks to Haiti's full recovery. It is imperative that we do all 
that we can to ensure that the Haitian people receive the assistance 
they need to realize a vibrant, strong, and healthy democracy.
  To that end, the Haitian Educational Empowerment Act of 2019 
authorizes the Secretary of State to establish a scholarship program 
for Haitian students who have had their studies disrupted by the 2010 
earthquake or Hurricane Matthew. Such scholarships will ensure that 
Haiti has access to the future teachers, doctors, lawyers and civil 
servants it will need to realize its full potential with strong 
democratic institutions and a strong economy.
  Madam Speaker, I invite all of my colleagues to join me in support of 
this important bill--a bill that will help Haitians help Haiti as the 
country continues its hard work on its road to recovery.

                          ____________________