Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee Proposes New Oversight Position For Haitian Relief To USAID Administrator

Press Release

Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee Proposes New Oversight Position For Haitian Relief To USAID Administrator

Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee met with Dr. Rajiv Shah, the Administrator of the U.S. Agency for International Development, to discuss Haitian relief efforts. During her meeting with Dr. Shah, Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee proposed a plan that would increase the ability of the U.S. to assist Haiti in its efforts toward reconstruction and stabilization.

"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, the United States will provide assistance that empowers Haiti's institutions and the Haitian people to build a future that is better than the past."

The plan proposed by Congresswoman Jackson Lee would create an oversight position within the USAID that would coordinate and regulate faith-based and non-profit organizations operating in the reconstruction efforts in Haiti.

Congresswoman Jackson Lee also recommended the creation of a U.S. civilian corps, an extension of the American Peace Corps, that would be tasked the specific mission of assisting reconstruction efforts in Haiti. This civilian entity would serve as a supplemental contingent which could be incrementally dispatched as needed by U.S. Government agencies or Non-governmental Organization.

Dr. Shah promised his agency would take immediate action in considering the congresswoman's request. Dr. Shah reiterated the need for both Congresswoman Jackson Lee's insightful inputs and ensured USAID would take action on the request over the next few weeks and months.

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