Emergency Aid To American Survivors Of The Haiti Earthquake Act
* Ms. TSONGAS. Madam Speaker, I rise today in support of S. 2949, the Emergency Aid to American Survivors of the Haiti Earthquake Act. The true scope and magnitude of the heartbreaking tragedy in Haiti continue to unfold. Hundreds of thousands of Haitians are still without reliable access to water, food, shelter, and other basic essentials. Children of all ages find themselves without family, relatives, or loved ones. While remarkable humanitarian efforts continue to reach more of those in need every day, the rebuilding effort in Haiti is one that will take more than a decade.
* Americans across the country have been moved by the terrible disaster and have generously given support in any way that they can. In the Merrimack Valley and the Fifth District of Massachusetts which I represent, concerned residents have volunteered their time, donated money, organized fundraising efforts, and provided needed supplies. For example, this weekend, a restaurant in Lawrence, Massachusetts is providing free lunch to all those making a donation to the Haiti relief fund.
* Our military has also done incredible work in reaching survivors, opening airports in order to facilitate the distribution of aid, and helping to maintain order.
* I am pleased that the House of Representatives will pass bipartisan legislation to extend temporary aid to help the thousands of Americans who are evacuating Haiti in the aftermath of the devastating earthquake.
* As of Monday, 14,000 American citizens have been evacuated from Haiti, with 40 percent of them receiving temporary repatriation assistance. The Emergency Aid to American Survivors of the Haiti Earthquake Act will provide these individuals with help in securing and paying for connecting flights, temporary lodging, food, and medical assistance.
* Last week, Congress passed and the President signed bipartisan legislation, which I cosponsored, speeding up the tax deduction for charitable contributions for Haiti so that individuals making contributions by the end of February can claim these charitable contributions on their 2009 tax return.
* The need in Haiti will be great for many years to come. Support from U.S. foreign aid agencies and the international community will be essential, along with efforts from ordinary citizens, like the one taking place in Lawrence this weekend.