WASHINGTON – Speaker Nancy Pelosi released the following statement this afternoon following President Obama’s speech on the disastrous earthquake and ongoing relief efforts in Haiti:
“On behalf of all Members of Congress, I echo President Obama’s message to the Haitian people today: ‘You will not be forsaken. You will not be forgotten.’ In this, your hour of greatest need, America stands with you.
“President Obama is personally focused on ensuring the swiftest possible response to the situation in Haiti and he has made this a top priority for our nation. The American response is being coordinated across multiple agencies of our government and ably led by Secretary Hillary Clinton, U.S. SOUTHCOM Commander General Douglas Fraser, and USAID Administrator Dr. Rajiv Shah. Members of Congress are committed to helping the Haitian people recover from this disaster and rebuild their homes, communities, and lives in the days and weeks to come.
“Our brave men and women in uniform and aid workers are mobilizing to relieve suffering and ensure security. The International Red Cross and other aid organizations are leading a major disaster relief effort and generous Americans are donating significant funding to disaster relief organizations. The rescue, recovery, and reconstruction efforts will be challenging, but Haitians should know that help is on the way from the American people.
“This tragedy is not the first to strike Haiti in recent years. The Haitian people have endured the hardship and devastation of poverty, political instability, tropical storms, and hurricanes. These tragedies have helped drive the nation deeper into poverty and create serious challenges for their future. In the coming weeks and months, we will provide assistance that empowers Haiti’s institutions and the Haitian people to build a future that is better than the past.”
