Members of The Congressional Black Caucus Speak About Actions to Aid a Devastated Haiti After Earthquake

Several Congress members from the Congressional Black Caucus have requested for the U.S. Government and the International Community to continue to administer aid to Haiti after the country was devastated by a 7.0 earthquake that rocked the island on the evening of Tuesday January 12, 2010 and destroyed much of the capital city of Port-Au-Prince.

Statements from CBC members including CBC Chairwoman, Rep. Barbara Lee, Congresswoman Maxine Waters, Congresswoman Yvette D. Clark and Rep. Kendrick D. Meek can be viewed below.

CBC Chairwoman Rep.Barbara Lee released the following statement "Members of the Congressional Black Caucus will continue to monitor the situation in Haiti and are committed to providing whatever humanitarian assistance is need."

After learning of the quake, Congresswoman Waters stated "I am absolutely devastated to learn of the earthquake that struck Haiti late this afternoon. I fear that an earthquake of this magnitude, with its subsequent aftershocks, has dealt a serious blow to the livelihoods and lives of many Haitians and to the important economic, political and social developments that are underway in the country."

Congresswoman Clark made a statement about the aftermath of the earthquake saying, "Haiti is the poorest nation in the western hemisphere. I am concerned that recovery efforts may be hampered by limited resources, as the country relies heavily on international support for emergency response assistance. For this reason, I have reached out to the State Department for a thorough assessment of the situation on the ground. It is imperative that the United States takes the lead in ensuring that humanitarian aide is delivered swiftly and smoothly to help our neighbors in the Caribbean."

Congressman Kendrick Meek also released the following statement after hearing of the aftermath of the quake: " My thoughts and prayers go out to all who have been affected by this devastating earthquake. I am monitoring the situation very closely and am prepared to do whatever it takes to save lives and bring swift disaster relief to Haiti and the Haitian people at this time."

For complete statements by these and additional Congressional Black Caucus members on the Haitian Earthquake Crisis and the Aid requested by the CBC, visit their website at :

http://www.thecongressionalblackcaucus.com/