Barbara Lee Haiti Resolution Considered on House Floor
For Immediate Release
January 20, 2010
Contact: Nicole Y. Williams
(202) 225-2661
Washington, D.C. – Today, Congresswoman Barbara Lee (D-CA) introduced a resolution expressing condolences and solidarity with the people of Haiti in the aftermath of the devastating earthquake that took place on January 12, 2010. In addition the resolution commends the efforts of the both the U.S. and international community in the relief efforts, calls for a long-term sustainable recovery effort and urges debt forgiveness for the impoverished nation. The House is set to vote on the resolution tomorrow.
“It has been over a week since a magnitude 7.0 earthquake devastated the country of Haiti. We have all seen the images and our hearts break for the people of Haiti.
“Currently, the United States is engaged in a massive humanitarian relief effort in Haiti, one of the largest in our country’s history. I applaud the U.S. and the International community for their tremendous relief efforts and their unprecedented generosity during this time of crisis.
“Now more than ever, the people of Haiti need our help. Even as we deal with our own problems during these tough economic times, we must not turn a blind eye to the untold human suffering just off our shores.
“However, as we deliver urgent and immediate support to the people of Haiti, we must also identify long term solutions to Haiti's problems including debt forgiveness and developing a comprehensive sustained assistance framework in partnership with the Government of Haiti and in coordination with other donors to promote the long-term development of Haiti.
“There is no easy solution to this problem, but by working together we can create a brighter tomorrow for Haiti.”
Congresswoman Lee also voted in favor of bipartisan tax legislation which will allow individuals to claim any donations to the relief effort as an itemized deduction on their 2009 tax return, instead of waiting to claim it on their 2010 return.
Note: For a copy of the full resolution, please contact Nicole Y. Williams at Nicole.Williams@mail.house.gov or (202) 225-2661.
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