Politics

Earthquake in Haiti

By Karina

A 7.0 magnitude earthquake centered just outside Port-au-Prince hit Haiti this evening. Speaker Pelosi:

The thoughts and prayers of the entire Congress are with the people of Haiti tonight, especially those affected by the earthquake and confronting the destruction of this natural disaster.

Haiti’s families have endured the hardship and devastation of storms and hurricanes in recent years, driving the nation - already the poorest in the western hemisphere - deeper into poverty and creating new challenges for their economic future.

The United States and Members of Congress remain committed to helping the Haitian people recover from this latest disaster and rebuild their homes, communities, and lives in the days and weeks to come.

Rep. Barbara Lee (D-CA), Chairwoman of the Congressional Black Caucus:

Members of the Congressional Black Caucus will continue to monitor the situation in Haiti and are committed to providing whatever humanitarian assistance is need.

Over the last few years Haiti has experienced an extraordinary set of challenges from high food prices and food shortages to natural disasters. Haiti will need increased attention and resources from the international community to help it recover during this difficult period.

My thoughts and prayers go out to the Haitian people and the Haitian American community.

For information about U.S. citizens in Haiti, the State Department has set up a toll free number: 1-888-407-4747.

Full post as published by The Gavel on January 12, 2010 (boomark / email).