[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 156 (2010), Part 2]
[House]
[Pages 1614-1619]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




             COMMENDING THE U.S. NAVY FOR ITS WORK IN HAITI

  Mr. McMAHON. Madam Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to 
the resolution (H. Res. 1048) commending the efforts and honoring the 
work of the men and women of USNS Comfort and the United States Navy in 
the immediate response to those affected by the earthquake that struck 
Haiti on January 12, 2010, as amended.
  The Clerk read the title of the resolution.
  The text of the resolution is as follows:

                              H. Res. 1048

       Whereas, on January 12, 2010, a 7.0 magnitude earthquake 
     struck the country of Haiti;
       Whereas casualty estimates, upwards of 150,000, as well as 
     damage to roads, ports, hospitals, and homes, make this 
     earthquake one of the worst catastrophes to hit Haiti in over 
     two centuries;
       Whereas an estimated 3,000,000 people have been directly 
     affected by the disaster in

[[Page 1615]]

     Haiti, nearly one-third of the country's population, who are 
     currently at risk of long-term displacement and 
     vulnerability;
       Whereas Haiti is the poorest, least developed country in 
     the Western Hemisphere;
       Whereas prior to the earthquake, Haiti was recovering from 
     a terrible string of hurricanes and tropical storms, food 
     shortages and rising commodity prices, and political 
     instability, but was showing signs of improvement and 
     resolve;
       Whereas President Obama vowed the ``unwavering support'' of 
     the United States and pledged a ``swift, coordinated and 
     aggressive effort to save lives and support the recovery in 
     Haiti'';
       Whereas the people of Haiti have shown remarkable 
     resilience and courage in the face of epic tragedy;
       Whereas the United States Navy responded within hours of 
     the earthquake to swiftly provide the Haitians with aid;
       Whereas the USNS Comfort and its crew of more than 1,200 
     has provided 24-hour care for over 900 Haitians, ranging from 
     newborns to critically ill patients;
       Whereas the USNS Comfort's over 550-person medical staff 
     includes trauma surgeons, orthopedic surgeons, head and neck 
     surgeons, eye surgeons, and obstetricians and gynecologists;
       Whereas the medical staff of the USNS Comfort, as of 
     February 18, 2010, had performed over 755 surgeries;
       Whereas the extraordinary USNS Comfort medical staff has 
     saved countless lives;
       Whereas the people of the United States empathize with the 
     medical staff of the USNS Comfort who must make agonizing 
     decisions about the use of scarce resources for critically 
     ill patients;
       Whereas prior to the arrival of the USNS Comfort, the USS 
     Carl Vinson dutifully provided initial triage of patients; 
     and
       Whereas the USNS Comfort and the USS Carl Vinson have been 
     aided in their efforts by other Navy vessels, including the 
     crews of the USS Higgins, the USS Underwood, the USS 
     Normandy, the USS Bunker Hill, the USS Bataan, the USS Carter 
     Hall, the USS Gunston Hall, the USS Fort McHenry, the USNS 
     Grasp, the Navy Underwater Construction Team One, and the 
     Navy Mobile Diving Salvage Unit Two: Now, therefore, be it
       Resolved, That the House of Representatives--
       (1) expresses its deepest condolences and sympathy for the 
     horrific loss of life and the physical and psychological 
     damage caused by the earthquake of January 12, 2010;
       (2) expresses solidarity with Haitians, Haitian-Americans, 
     and all those who have lost loved ones or have otherwise been 
     affected by the tragedy;
       (3) commends the efforts of the people of the United 
     States, including the Haitian-American community, to provide 
     relief to families, friends, and unknown peoples suffering in 
     the country; and
       (4) commends the efforts and honors the work of the men and 
     women of USNS Comfort and the United States Navy in the 
     immediate response to those affected by this calamity.

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to the rule, the gentleman from New 
York (Mr. McMahon) and the gentlewoman from Florida (Ms. Ros-Lehtinen) 
each will control 20 minutes.
  The Chair recognizes the gentleman from New York.


                             General Leave

  Mr. McMAHON. Madam Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members 
may have 5 legislative days to revise and extend their remarks and 
include extraneous material on the resolution under consideration.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there objection to the request of the 
gentleman from New York?
  There was no objection.
  Mr. McMAHON. Madam Speaker, I rise in strong support of this 
resolution, and yield myself as much time as I may consume.
  Madam Speaker, this resolution recognizes the tireless, selfless, and 
heroic efforts of the men and women of the USNS Comfort and the entire 
United States Navy in responding to the tragic earthquake that rocked 
Haiti, the poorest nation in the Western Hemisphere, on January 12, 
2010.
  While many have known about Haiti's long and trying history in the 
face of natural disaster, food shortage, volatile prices, and an 
unstable political system, this latest trial, a 7.0 magnitude 
earthquake has brought with it a sea of new challenges, directly 
affecting 3 million people, nearly one-third of the country's 
population.
  Amid the catastrophic destruction of homes, roads, schools, 
hospitals, and infrastructure, and casualty estimates being measured in 
the hundreds of thousands, there is a deep need for immediate material 
aid and medical support for survivors. Within hours of the quake, the 
United States Navy was on the scene in Port-au-Prince to swiftly 
administer aid to the Haitian people.
  The USNS Comfort and its 1,200 crew members have since offered 
around-the-clock medical services for up to 900 Haitians facing a wide 
range of health issues and maladies, many of them critical. They have 
saved the lives of 98 percent of the ship's patients, a testament to 
the USNS Comfort's dedication and laudable medical capabilities.
  The 550 medical personnel aboard the Comfort represent a wide array 
of specialties, including trauma surgeons, and have been working around 
the clock, since even before the Comfort reached Haiti, as patients 
began arriving by helicopter while they were en route. This vessel's 
brave crew has brought with it rays of hope, and is a symbol of the 
United States' and international outpouring of aid and sympathy.
  In the wake of this terrible catastrophe, the Haitian people have 
once again called upon their reserves of courage and resilience, and 
the United States is proud to stand as a leader with them in their hour 
of need.
  I believe it is fair to say that the USNS Comfort is aptly named. It 
has provided comfort in terms of health and saving lives to the victims 
of this terrible calamity. I therefore, Madam Speaker, urge my 
colleagues to strongly support this resolution.

                                         House of Representatives,


                            House Committee on Armed Services,

                                Washington, DC, February 22, 2010.
     Hon. Howard L. Berman,
     Chairman, House Committee on Foreign Affairs, Rayburn House 
         Office Building, Washington, DC.
       Dear Mr. Chairman: On January 27, 2010, the House 
     Resolution 1048, ``Commending the efforts and honoring the 
     work of the men and women of USNS Comfort and the United 
     States Navy in the immediate response to those affected by 
     the earthquake that struck Haiti on January 12, 2010'' was 
     introduced in the House. This measure was referred to the 
     Committee on Foreign Affairs, and in addition to the 
     Committee on Armed Services, for a period to be subsequently 
     determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of 
     such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the 
     committee concerned.
       Our Committee recognizes the importance of H. Res. 1048, 
     and the need for the legislation to move expeditiously. 
     Therefore, while we have a valid claim to jurisdiction over 
     this legislation, the Committee on Armed Services will waive 
     further consideration of H. Res. 1048. I do so with the 
     understanding that by waiving further consideration of the 
     resolution, the Committee does not waive any future 
     jurisdictional claims over similar measures.
       I would appreciate the inclusion of this letter and a copy 
     of your response in the Congressional Record during 
     consideration of the measure on the House floor.
           Very truly yours,
                                                      Ike Skelton,
     Chairman.
                                  ____

                                         House of Representatives,


                                 Committee on Foreign Affairs,

                                Washington, DC, February 23, 2010.
     Hon. Ike Skelton,
     Chairman, Committee on Armed Services, Rayburn House Office 
         Bldg., Washington, DC.
       Dear Mr. Chairman: Thank you for your letter regarding 
     House Resolution 1048, ``Commending the efforts and honoring 
     the work of the men and women of USNS Comfort and the United 
     States Navy in the immediate response to those affected by 
     the earthquake that struck Haiti on January 12, 2010.'' This 
     measure was referred to the Committee on Foreign Affairs, in 
     addition to the Committee on Armed Services, for a period to 
     be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for 
     consideration of such provisions as fall within the 
     jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
       I agree that the Committee on Armed Services has certain 
     valid jurisdictional claims to this resolution, and I 
     appreciate your decision to waive further consideration of H. 
     Res. 1048 in the interest of expediting consideration of this 
     important measure. I understand that by agreeing to waive 
     further consideration, the Committee on Armed Services is not 
     waiving its jurisdictional claims over similar measures in 
     the future.
       During consideration of this measure on the House floor, I 
     will ask that this exchange of letters be included in the 
     Congressional Record.
           Sincerely,
                                                 Howard L. Berman,
                                                         Chairman.

  Madam Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
  Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may 
consume.
  I rise today as a proud cosponsor of the bill before us, House 
Resolution

[[Page 1616]]

1048, commending the efforts and honoring the work of the men and women 
of the USNS Comfort and the United States Navy in the immediate 
response to those affected by the earthquake that struck Haiti on 
January 12, 2010.
  The tremendous impact of this natural disaster appeared almost 
insurmountable at one point. Six weeks later, however, we have seen 
remarkable achievements and great promise for the future. The swift and 
comprehensive response of the United States has helped to save 
countless lives. In particular, the men and women of the U.S. Navy, 
particularly those serving on the hospital ship Comfort, have provided 
vital medical and relief services.
  Before it had even reached the shores of Haiti, the Comfort was 
receiving patients flown in from the USS Carl Vinson. They had nearly 
100 new admissions on their first day on station. Within 2 weeks of 
arriving, the Comfort had performed over 500 surgeries and provided 24-
hour care for countless others. And as of late last week, nearly 800 
surgeries had been performed. I join my colleagues in commending this 
tremendous performance and recognizing the admirable service of the men 
and women of the U.S. Navy Ship Comfort, and the many other Navy 
vessels and crews who have contributed to the relief efforts in Haiti.
  In addition, I would like to recognize the ongoing selfless acts of 
the people of the United States, including the Haitian American 
community, to provide relief to the people of Haiti. I have seen group 
after group from my own district in South Florida and across the 
country mobilize to provide medical assistance, humanitarian services, 
all kinds of goods to the Haitian people. I am confident, Madam 
Speaker, that with this type of ongoing support, Haiti will see a 
brighter future.
  Again, I would like to commend and honor the work of the men and 
women of the United States Navy, and particularly those on the Navy 
Ship Comfort for the immediate response that they gave to the 
earthquake victims in Haiti. And I thank Congressman Murphy for 
introducing this important measure.
  Madam Speaker, if I may, I would like to yield such time as he may 
consume to the gentleman from Pennsylvania (Mr. Tim Murphy), the author 
of this resolution, a member of the Committee on Energy and Commerce.
  Mr. TIM MURPHY of Pennsylvania. Thank you, Ranking Member Ileana Ros-
Lehtinen, for this opportunity to speak about this important issue of 
one of America's proud moments of how it helps when the world has need.
  On January 12 of this year, we were shocked and saddened by the 
devastating earthquake in Haiti. More than 230,000 Haitians are dead, 
perhaps even more we will find, hundreds of thousands injured, a 
million left homeless. The world responded immediately with food, 
donations, and rescue workers, but among the first to respond were our 
military, particularly the crew of the USNS Comfort. This 894-foot-long 
floating Naval hospital set sail from Baltimore Harbor soon after the 
earthquake.
  Members of the ship's crew, most of whom hailed from the Navy's 
hospitals in Maryland and Virginia, were soon on board and underway. By 
the 17th of January, the Comfort was making full speed towards Port-au-
Prince. Before its arrival, the USS Carl Vinson aircraft carrier 
provided immediate relief to injured Haitians. Today, the 1,200-person 
Comfort crew, made up of over 550 civilian and uniformed doctors, 
nurses, and others, is providing the best possible care under very 
challenging circumstances.
  With limited supplies but limitless compassion and skill, surgeons 
and nurses and a host of other specialties, obstetricians, pharmacists, 
pediatricians, and Navy personnel from the medical corps, the medical 
service corps, nursing corps and so many others were there to treat 
Haitians who came on board with wounds, fractures, and infections. The 
crew's superb performance is a testament to our Navy and our Marines 
who are confronting these very, very difficult challenges.
  Even before the devastating earthquake of January 12 that took so 
many lives, Haiti was a country enduring many difficult problems. 
Nearly four-fifths of its people live in absolute poverty. It has less 
than 50 hospitals, some of which are only staffed by a pair of nurses 
and medical interns. The country has fewer than three physicians for 
every 10,000 people. By comparison, our country has nearly 100 doctors 
for every 10,000 people.
  The absence of a medical infrastructure made treating Haitians even 
more challenging, where doctors in the pediatric ward estimated that a 
fifth of the children in their care had untreated, and in many cases 
previously undiagnosed, medical conditions.
  The USNS Comfort docked near Port-au-Prince on January 20 with 250 
medical beds, but the crew quickly realized it would serve as the 
primary place of treatment for a country with hundreds of thousands of 
injured people. The Comfort transformed itself into a thousand-bed 
facility, with 880 ward beds, 80 intensive care units, 20 post-
anesthesia care unit beds, 12 operating rooms.
  On the second day of the Comfort's mission, Lieutenant Commander 
Erika Beard-Irvine and Lieutenant Commander Shannon Lamb delivered a 
premature baby, a 4-pound, 5-ounce baby girl named Esther, whose mother 
during the earthquake, after a building collapsed upon her, had severe 
injuries. Her mother went without treatment, but surgeons couldn't 
repair her fractures without threatening the baby's life, so on that 
day they delivered a healthy baby. She was seven weeks early, but right 
on time for a ship that had never before witnessed an onboard delivery 
in its 22 years of service.
  The Comfort already had infants aboard, brought to the ship by 
mothers unable to find post-natal care in Haiti. One of the ship's 
youngest male patients is Vinson, named for the aircraft carrier USS 
Carl Vinson, where his mother gave birth to him.
  At the end of its second day, the Comfort had seen 184 patients, a 
third of whom saw surgery. Said Lieutenant Commander Don D'Aurora, 
director of the ship's receiving ward and division officer of the 
emergency department at the National Naval Medical Center in Bethesda 
to the Baltimore Sun, quote, ``I saw more patients in six hours today 
than I would normally see in 24 hours back home. This is what we train 
for. This is what it is about for all of us.''
  Even with the crew sleeping in shifts, helicopters dropping supplies 
from dawn until dusk, and the crew running around-the-clock operations 
at everything from the barber shop to the mess hall, wave after wave of 
critically injured patients pushed the limits of the Comfort's 
capabilities. Some were stories about senses of helplessness, physical 
pain, or feelings of despair and the loss of loved ones, but some 
provide inspiration.
  Due to the work of a Port-au-Prince native, fireman Jean Rabel, a 
Navy translator aboard the Comfort, and Joe Fiscus of Rochester, 
Pennsylvania, near Pittsburgh, Haitian national Antonio Jeanite was 
reunited with his 3-month-old daughter, Christ-Yarah, on February 2. He 
said, ``I am very happy. It has been seven days since I sent my 
daughter to another hospital.''
  The Comfort's crew knows that someday its mission will end, the ship 
will return to Baltimore Harbor, and the best medical care in the 
Caribbean Sea will depart with it. That is why the Comfort is making 
arrangements with a stateside hospital for continuing care to treat 
seriously burned patients who require months of medical attention.
  The Comfort has cared for over 2,000 Haitians, and much work remains 
to be done. I know that the crew and its able commander, Captain Jim 
Ware, are up to the task. I commend them for their diligence, and call 
for us to honor their unbreakable spirit by passing this resolution.
  I would also like to recognize the crews of the Vinson (CVN-70); the 
USS Fort McHenry (LSD 43), a dock landing ship; the USS Bataan (LHD 5), 
a Wasp-class amphibious assault ship; the USS Carter Hall (LSD 50), 
another dock landing ship; and several other ships, the Higgins (DDG-
76), the Underwood (FFG-36), the Normandy (CG-60), the Bunker Hill (CG-
52), the Gunston Hall (LSD-44), the Grasp (T-ARS-51), and so

[[Page 1617]]

many other Navy personnel and Marines who worked around the clock 
providing care to so many.
  You know, when one of us feels overcome with doubt or confusion, let 
us think about those fatigued corpsmen and doctors and nurses aboard 
the Comfort who carefully and skillfully bring their patients back, 
sometimes from the brink of death, hours after hours of work with very 
little sleep, pushing themselves to the limits. Let's remember those 
sailors and Marines and Air Force personnel and Army soldiers who went 
to Haiti, establishing the logistics, rescuing patients, taking them 
out of broken buildings.
  And one final story for us to remember. Rico Duprevil spent 13 days 
buried alive in the rubble of a collapsed house. His legs were crushed, 
his pelvis dislocated. He could not move.

                              {time}  1515

  He said, ``There was darkness all around, all of the time. I could 
not move inside. I could hear distant voices, but they could not hear 
mine.''
  With only a few sips of water available, he stayed alive. Almost 2 
weeks later he was discovered. He said, ``I was never scared because 
God was on my side. I survived by thinking of Him and praying. I 
thought about my family.''
  He was taken to a local hospital for basic triage. A day later he 
arrived at Port-au-Prince for evaluation and possible transfer to the 
Comfort. Due to the quick collection of information by Captain Richard 
Sharpe, an on-site medical commander, he was transferred within just an 
hour to the proper ward care above the Comfort.
  All of us are proud of the great work that so many do in their armed 
services. We oftentimes talk about them, but this is a great moment of 
pride for our Nation. In particular, I'd like to salute my colleagues 
in the Navy where I serve, also at the Bethesda National Naval Medical 
Center, but thank the Navy, the Marines, the Army, the Air Force, the 
Coast Guard and all the civilians who reached out and showed the 
compassion that is one of America's bright moments, and show the world 
what America is all about. When the world needs us, when tragedy 
strikes, Americans gather together and support them. And today, we 
salute those Americans who have helped so many of those in need in 
Haiti.
  Mr. McMAHON. Madam Speaker, at this time I yield as much time as he 
shall consume to the gentleman from Maryland (Mr. Ruppersberger).
  Mr. RUPPERSBERGER. Madam Speaker, first, when it is not on one of its 
lifesaving missions, the USNS Comfort's home is in the Port of 
Baltimore. The virtual floating hospital has provided humanitarian aid 
to hundreds of thousands of patients all over the world.
  The Comfort was deployed after Hurricane Katrina in the Gulf Coast, 
and has supported Operation Iraqi Freedom, and was activated on 
September 11, 2001, to provide meals, housing, medical, and 
psychological services to volunteer and relief workers at Ground Zero.
  It was once again called into service after the devastating 
earthquake in Haiti in January that, at the most recent count, has 
claimed 150,000 lives.
  As the representative of the Port of Baltimore, I have always been 
especially proud of the Comfort and its critical missions. I felt 
especially privileged to have the chance to board the Comfort to send 
off the men and women the night before they departed for Haiti.
  It was a humbling experience to climb the steps aboard the Comfort 
and witness doctors and nurses training for what would help them on the 
shores of Haiti. I saw seamen practicing security drills, volunteers 
distributing blankets and pillows, and sterilizing medical equipment, 
and toured the operating rooms where so many lives would be saved by 
the military personnel of our U.S. Navy.
  Huge cranes were loading truckloads of medical supplies onto its 
deck. In what should have been chaos, I saw the focus and precision 
perhaps capable only by our United States military.
  Once in Haiti, these men and women faced choices unimaginable to 
those of us back here watching it all on TV. On their first day they 
felt tremendous frustration when the helicopter that would carry 
patients aboard had no place to land on shore.
  They have delivered babies, treated patients who are paralyzed, 
missing limbs, and suffering from infections made worse by neglect. 
They have performed more than 600 surgeries in Haiti so far.
  When the Comfort left, the Navy said they would be here as long as it 
took. One month later, these military personnel still remain in Haiti, 
away from their families, treating hundreds of patients each day. 
Because the ship is now over capacity, the workers are sleeping in 
shifts. And I know that most of them wouldn't want to be anywhere else.
  Amid the horror, the USNS Comfort, a mile out into the bay, is a 
beacon of hope for those still injured and untreated.
  My heart goes out to the people of Haiti and their relatives 
throughout the United States. We are proud of the men and women aboard 
Baltimore's own Comfort who are saving lives with the vigor and skill, 
again, perhaps only capable of the United States military.
  I would also like to take this opportunity to recognize the teams for 
the world-renowned University of Maryland Shock Trauma who have also 
traveled to Haiti. My life was saved at Maryland Shock Trauma many 
years ago, and now the people of Haiti are benefiting from the skills 
and expertise of the world's top medical professionals.
  The teams at Shock Trauma set up operating rooms on open ground, 
under tents, and are committed to remaining there until they can 
deliver health care on an ongoing basis.
  I've heard stories from the team, and I know the conditions take an 
emotional toll, but their determination in the face of what may be, or 
what could be, considered a hopeless situation is a testimony to the 
American spirit.
  I wish to express my sincere gratitude for the commitment of both the 
men and women of the USNS Comfort and Maryland Shock Trauma, and wish 
them luck at their missions.
  And I also would like to say, this is the United States putting out 
to people in need throughout the world. We are all Americans. We have 
debates here on the floor, health care, all issues involving jobs, but 
we still have to remember we're all Americans, and we all can say that 
we should be very proud of what the United States military is doing 
with the USNS Comfort and the United States Navy and all the men 
working in that regard.
  Ms. JACKSON LEE of Texas. Madam Speaker, I rise in support of H. Res. 
1048. This resolution commends the efforts and honors the work of the 
men and women of USNS Comfort and the United States Navy in the 
immediate response to those affected by the earthquake that struck 
Haiti on January 12, 2010.
  As you know, on Tuesday, January 12, a massive, 7.0 magnitude 
earthquake struck Haiti near the capital of Port-au-Prince. There is 
still no official estimate of death or destruction but the damage to 
buildings is extensive and the number of injured or dead is estimated 
to be in the hundreds of thousands.
  America is responding, and will continue to respond with immediate 
humanitarian assistance to help the people of this struggling island 
nation rebuild their livelihoods. I send my condolences to the people 
and government of Haiti as they grieve once again in the aftermath of a 
natural disaster. As Haiti's neighbor, I believe it is the United 
States' responsibility to help Haiti recover, and build the capacity to 
mitigate against future disasters.
  To date the United States Government has contributed over $402 
million in earthquake response funding for Haiti. It has also deployed 
approximately 17,000 military personnel in support of the relief 
effort. Subsequently, as part of the new Government of Haiti-led 
effort, the U.N. World Food Program will provide commodities, non-
governmental organizations will manage distributions, and the U.S. 
military will provide security escorts.
  American and her allies have already initiated a comprehensive, 
interagency response to the earthquake. The State Department, 
Department of Defense, Department of Homeland Security, Coast Guard, 
USAID--all worked overnight to ensure critical resources were 
positioned to support the response and recovery effort, including 
efforts to find and assist American citizens in Haiti.

[[Page 1618]]

  Within days of last week's devastating earthquake, U.S. Southern 
Command deployed a team of 30 people to Haiti to support U.S. relief 
efforts in the aftermath of one of the largest natural disasters in the 
western hemisphere. The team included U.S. military engineers, 
operational planners, and a command and control group and communication 
specialists arriving on two C-130 Hercules aircraft. Since, there has 
been a tremendous interagency response with support and partnering with 
U.S. Embassy personnel as well as Haitian, United Nations and 
international officials to assess the situation and facilitate follow-
on U.S. military support.
  Within hours of the earthquake, the United States mobilized a multi-
agency response that included our armed forces and civil service. With 
their hospitals reduced to rubble, Port-au-Prince was unable to treat 
the hundreds of thousands of injured people seeking help. In response, 
the U.S. efforts included the hospital ship USNS Comfort as well as 
naval helicopter ships such as the USS Carl Vinson. Arriving on station 
less than 72 hours after the quake, Carl Vinson immediately rendered 
assistance. Over two weeks, Vinson and its embarked 19 helicopters flew 
more than 2,200 sorties, delivering more than 166 tons of food, 89,000 
gallons of water and 38,700 pounds of medical supplies to earthquake 
victims. Additionally, Vinson's helicopters conducted 476 medical 
evacuations, MEDEVACs, and the ship's doctors and corpsmen treated 60 
patients in its medical ward.
  The USNS Comfort, a floating hospital, brought to Haiti a 550-person 
medical staff that included trauma surgeons, orthopedic surgeons, head 
and neck surgeons, eye surgeons, and obstetricians and gynecologists. 
The USNS Comfort and its crew of 1,200 have provided 24-hour care for 
nearly 500 Haitians, ranging from newborns to critically ill patients. 
As of January 24, 2010, the medical staff of the USNS Comfort had 
performed over 100 surgeries.
  The skill and perseverance displayed by these men and women are 
extraordinary. The USNS Comfort medical staff has saved the lives of 98 
percent of the ship's patient population as of January 25, 2010.
  Madam Speaker, over a month has passed since the earthquake, the 
search and rescue missions have ended, and Haiti has transitioned to 
long-term reconstruction and development. Because our Navy cannot 
remain off of Haiti's coast forever, we must work with the Haitian 
government to rebuild the capacity of Haiti's medical system. Although 
this mission will take time, I am confident that Haiti will build their 
health care system back to be more comprehensive and robust than before 
the earthquake. This will be an especially critical part of the Haitian 
government because the thousands injured by the earthquake will need 
long-term medical care.
  Recently, I proposed a plan that would increase the ability of the 
U.S. to assist Haiti in its efforts toward reconstruction and 
stabilization to Dr. Rajiv Shah, the Administrator of the U.S. Agency 
for International Development.
  This plan would create an oversight position within the USAID that 
would coordinate and regulate faith-based and non-profit organizations 
operating in the reconstruction efforts in Haiti. I also recommended 
the creation of a U.S. civilian corps, an extension of the American 
Peace Corps, that would be tasked the specific mission of assisting 
reconstruction efforts in Haiti. This civilian entity would serve as a 
supplemental contingent which could be incrementally dispatched as 
needed by U.S. Government agencies or nongovernment organizations.
  Once again I stand in solidarity with the people of Haiti and will do 
everything in my power to assist them with rebuilding their country and 
livelihoods. I am proud of our first responders, and pledge that 
America's long-term commitment to Haiti will live up to the standard 
that the first responders set.
  Mr. JOHNSON of Georgia. Madam Speaker, I rise in support of House 
Resolution 1048, which would commend the efforts and honor the work of 
the men and women of the USNS Comfort and the United States Navy who 
assisted those affected by the earthquake that struck Haiti on January 
12, 2010.
  Madam Speaker, in the immediate aftermath of the earthquake that 
wrought devastation upon our friends and neighbors in impoverished 
Haiti, President Obama pledged the ``unwavering support'' of the United 
States and a ``swift, coordinated and aggressive effort to save lives 
and support the recovery.''
  Today we recognize some of those who have worked tirelessly to 
fulfill that pledge.
  The USNS Comfort, a Mercy-class hospital ship, has previously been 
deployed to support Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm, 
Operation Sea Signal, Operation Uphold Democracy, Operation Noble 
Eagle, Operation Iraqi Freedom, Joint Task Force Katrina, Operation 
Continuing Promise, and now Operation Unified Response to support 
relief efforts in Haiti.
  The Comfort's 550-person medical staff includes trauma surgeons, 
orthopedic surgeons, head and neck surgeons, eye surgeons, 
obstetricians and gynecologists. As of January 24, 2010, the medical 
staff had performed over 100 surgeries. By January 25, the ship's staff 
had saved the lives of 98 percent of the ship's patient population.
  Madam Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support this resolution, which 
expresses our deepest condolences to the victims of the tragic 
earthquake; our solidarity with Haitians, Haitian-Americans, and all 
those who have been affected by this natural disaster; our commendation 
of all who have contributed to relief efforts; and, in particular, and 
our recognition of the invaluable efforts of those life-savers on the 
USNS Comfort and in the United States Navy who have provided critical 
immediate assistance to those suffering as a result of the earthquake.
  Mr. AL GREEN of Texas. Madam Speaker, I strongly support H. Res. 
1048, a resolution commending the efforts and honoring the work of the 
men and women of USNS Comfort and the United States Navy in response to 
those affected by the earthquake that struck Haiti on January 12, 2010. 
I would also like to thank Representative Tim Murphy for introducing 
this piece of legislation.
  Before the earthquake hit Haiti, the country was already in recovery 
from a string of hurricanes and tropical storms, food shortages and 
rising commodity prices, and political instability. These problems were 
compounded when a 7.0 magnitude earthquake hit the country of Haiti, 
erasing any recovery efforts done prior to this catastrophe.
  Estimated casualties were reported to be over 150,000 and Haiti 
withstood millions in damages to the country's infrastructure. It has 
been reported that 3,000,000 of Haiti's population were directly 
affected by the disaster, and as a result, one third of the existing 
population is displaced.
  Immediately following this tragedy, President Barack Obama vowed the 
``unwavering support'' of the United States and pledged a ``swift, 
coordinated and aggressive effort to save lives and support the 
recovery in Haiti.'' Days after the earthquake, the United States Navy 
responded to President Obama's request and delivered aid. The crew of 
the USNS Comfort provided 24-hour service to hundreds of critically ill 
men, women and children patients. Our Navy medical personnel on USNS 
Comfort saved the lives of 98 percent of the ship's patient population, 
which holds a capacity of 1,000 patients, and successfully performed 
100 surgeries as of January 24, 2010.
  Due to the limited resources for critically ill patients, the USNS 
Comfort medical staff often find themselves making grave decisions in 
terms of the use of their existing resources. President Obama's pledged 
support of $100 million in humanitarian aid will go a long way toward 
supporting their efforts.
  I commit my full support to H. Res 1048 and urge my colleagues to 
vote in favor of this piece of legislation.
  Mr. YOUNG of Florida. Madam Speaker, I rise in support of House 
Resolution 1048 which honors the work of the men and women of the USNS 
Comfort and the United States Navy in the immediate response to those 
affected by the devastating earthquake that struck Haiti on January 12, 
2010.
  The Navy's support is ongoing and to date, the Comfort has treated 
more than 900 Haitians and has performed more than 750 life saving 
surgeries. Together with her sister ship, the USNS Mercy, these vessels 
serve as ambassadors of good-will during periods of desperation all 
around the world. Their mission is always a benevolent one and their 
commitment to areas of strife and devastation highlight the best 
qualities of what it means to be an American--that we stand by always 
ready to assist and will never forsake those who are in need.
  The earthquake that hit Haiti was the most devastating it has seen in 
200 years. Words cannot adequately describe the destruction that took 
the lives of more than 200,000 people, leveled the capital city, and 
left thousands of survivors with an uncertain future coupled with 
worries about hunger, disease, and injuries. Into that morass of 
suffering we stepped in as a nation to assist the good Haitian people 
with the USNS Comfort and the Navy as part of the vanguard.
  The USNS Comfort has a storied history. Among its most notable 
deployments were:
  --In 2007 when it embarked on a four month humanitarian assistance 
mission throughout Latin America and the Caribbean that treated more 
than 98,000 people in 12 countries. This type of mission highlights the

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diplomatic role our military plays as it works in concert with the 
State Department in being ambassadors of good-will.
  --In 2005 when Comfort responded on our own shores after the 
devastation of Hurricanes Katrina and Rita, providing treatment to 
thousands in the Gulf Coast region. Despite regional devastation, the 
USNS Comfort was able to provide critical emergency hospital services 
for residents and first-responders before regular service was restored.
  --In 2003, when Comfort deployed to war and served as an afloat 
trauma center for two months during the initial stages of Operation 
Iraqi Freedom.
  --In 2001, immediately in the aftermath of the 9-11 attacks, when 
Comfort deployed in support of Operation Noble Eagle and provided 
meals, housing, medical and psychological services to volunteer and 
relief workers at New York's ground zero.
  This is just a sampling of the ship and crew's operational history 
since Comfort was delivered to the Navy in 1987. Untold thousands have 
benefited from these missions.
  Madam Speaker, while many know of Comfort and Mercy's life-saving 
work, few realize that these ships almost did not come into the Navy's 
fleet. USNS Comfort and USNS Mercy began their lives as oil-tankers a 
decade before being delivered to the Navy as hospital ships. In fact, 
they were destined for the scrap yard, if not for the intervention of 
Congress and specifically the Appropriations Committee. It was a 
Congressional Initiative that was the catalyst for the birth of the 
Mercy Class Hospital Ships. My colleagues and I on the Appropriations 
Committee saw a need for this life-saving capability when others sought 
to scrap these ships. We saw the value in these Mercy Class Hospital 
Ships, to provide a unique capability of being some of the largest U.S. 
trauma centers with the distinction of having world-wide mobility. Even 
in the face of airfield closures, destroyed infrastructure, and 
interrupted communications, as long as the sea is navigable, the USNS 
Comfort and USNS Mercy can get there. Once on the scene, a fully crewed 
ship brings 1,000 medical professionals, a hospital with a full 
spectrum of surgical and medical services including four X-rays, a CAT 
scan unit, a dental suite, two oxygen-producing plants, and 5,000 units 
of blood. The ships have 12 operating rooms and a total bed capacity of 
up to 1,000. In short, they are fully functional floating hospitals 
able to give first-rate care where otherwise there would be no 
treatment options.
  Madam Speaker, as we take the time today to honor the men and women 
who proudly serve this country aboard the USNS Comfort, let us also 
remember the broad scope of compassionate contributions that our 
servicemen and women are providing around the world in both non-hostile 
and hostile environments. Often times we forget that our military 
performs many humanitarian functions that other agencies and nations 
depend upon, be it logistical support or whole-scale nation-building. 
Their efforts and their sacrifice go beyond expressions of remorse and 
tangibly demonstrate our level of commitment to peace and prosperity 
for all.
  Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Madam Speaker, we have no further requests for 
time. I yield back the balance of our time.
  Mr. McMAHON. Madam Speaker, I have no further requests for time, and 
I yield back the balance of my time.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The question is on the motion offered by the 
gentleman from New York (Mr. McMahon) that the House suspend the rules 
and agree to the resolution, H. Res. 1048, as amended.
  The question was taken; and (two-thirds being in the affirmative) the 
rules were suspended and the resolution, as amended, was agreed to.
  A motion to reconsider was laid on the table.

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