H. Res. 1021, Expressing Condolences For The People Of Haiti

Floor Speech

* 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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