|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Statement By
Obama speaks out on the Need for Humanitarian Assistance to Haiti Following Devastating Storms Senator Barack Obama issued the following statement: “My thoughts and prayers are with the hundreds of thousands of Haitians struggling to survive the floods and devastation caused by the hurricanes and tropical storms of the past six weeks, and I extend my deepest sympathies to those affected by the loss of more than 500 lives. “Time is of the essence in helping Haiti cope with this humanitarian crisis and begin to recover. Tens of thousands of Haitians have been displaced and left without shelter, Haiti ’s already struggling agricultural sector has been devastated – and hurricane season is not yet over. “The Haitian-American community is doing its part by supporting family and friends in Haiti in their time of need. Now the United States government and the international community must intensify relief efforts to bring food, water and shelter to the storm victims. “I welcome the dispatch of $100,000 in emergency assistance by USAID and the promise of 50 tons of relief supplies, as well as the deployment of U.S. Coast Guard personnel and material and the pending arrival of the USS Kearsage to help alleviate the immediate crisis in Gonaives. But there’s more we can do. “The ships, helicopters and air cargo capacity of the U.S. Southern Command should be directed to provide Haiti the logistical support our Armed Forces so ably provide around the world in times of humanitarian crisis. “I also urge the United States to work in partnership with President Rene Preval and the new Haitian government under the leadership of Prime Minister Michele Pierre-Louis, and with key international actors (the United Nations Mission in Haiti (MINUSTAH), the Inter-American Development Bank, the World Bank, the Organization of American States, and crucial bilateral donors) to immediately assemble a task force on reconstruction and recovery to begin work as soon as the storms pass. “Together, we can help Haiti recover from this terrible series of storms and renew efforts to bring hope and opportunity to the people of Haiti.” |
|
1029
Longworth H.O.B. 123 Linden
Boulevard, 4th
Floor
Washington, DC 20515 Brooklyn, NY 11226 Phone: 202-225-6231 Phone:(718) 287-1142 Fax: 202-226-0112 Fax: (718) 287-1223 September 12, 2008 Contact: Chic Smith: (202) 225-6231 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Cell: (202) 538-9088 Clarke Urges U.S. to Increase Aid to Haiti
WASHINGTON, D.C. -- U.S. Rep. Yvette D. Clarke
(NY-11), issued the following statement today urging
the U.S. to increase aid to the nation of Haiti
following the devastation of recent natural
disasters.
"Just
a few months ago, several of my colleagues and I
joined voices in urging the U.S. to do more for the
resilient people of Haiti regarding the food crisis
and the hunger crisis that was exposed to the
world. Today I am amplifying my urgent call and
request for emergency aid following a series of
natural disasters that have further devastated the
lives of the people of Haiti.
According to the Government of Haiti and the United
Nations, it is estimated that the combined effects
of four storms in less than thirty days have killed
328 people; left 37 people missing, displaced
approximately 82,600 people to temporary shelters,
destroyed over 3,300 houses, and damaged more than
11,800 houses. These storms have increased the
public health risks for the women, men and children
of Haiti and they need our help now.
Thus
far, the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID)
has nearly doubled the amount of humanitarian
assistance from $10 million announced on September
8, to $19.5 million. I commend those efforts, but we
can and we must do more.
Haiti
is the poorest country in the Western Hemisphere:
80% of the population (7.2 million) is living under
the poverty line and 54% in abject poverty (4.86
million). According the Congressional Research
Service, Port Au Prince, the capitol of Haiti, is
only 736 miles from Key West, and only 710 miles
from Miami, FL. As a member of the Homeland
Security Committee, I am keenly aware that the
events that occur in Haiti can have a direct impact
on our nation.
I have
joined my colleagues to ask the Speaker of the House
to provide an appropriation of at least $300 million
in disaster assistance for Haiti in the supplemental
appropriations bill or another legislative vehicle
that will be passed before Congress adjourns. In
addition, I have signed onto a letter to Secretary
Rice requesting the United States to act
expeditiously and effectively to assist our neighbor
in their time of need.
I
would also like to commend the Consulate General of
the Republic of Haiti in New York for their work on
this matter.
I am
scheduled to physically be on the ground in Haiti
this evening to survey the extent of the devastation
first hand. We cannot allow this situation of
poverty, disease, and vulnerability to the elements
to continue unanswered. We must do what we can to
aid our sisters and brothers in Haiti during their
time of need."
###
|
