Pelosi Statement on Congressional Delegation to Haiti

Contact: Brendan Daly/Nadeam Elshami/Drew Hammill, 202-226-7616

Washington, DC - Speaker Nancy Pelosi released the following statement upon the return of the bipartisan, bicameral delegation from Haiti today:

"Friday, February 12th is a national day of mourning in Haiti. Our House and Senate delegation marked the sad occasion with a moment of silence at the Cathedral in Port-au-Prince.

"In our discussions, we emphasized our commitment to continue to work with the Haitian government as the 2010 hurricane season approaches.

"Our delegation went to Haiti to demonstrate the ongoing support of the American people and to reaffirm President Obama's pledge that the people of Haiti will not be forgotten or forsaken."

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Background:

The delegation's itinerary included:

• A visit to the Gheskio Center, an NGO and USAID-supported HIV/AIDS Clinic. The facility's grounds now also house expanded medical facilities and an informal settlement of approximately 7,000 each night. Also at Gheskio, the delegation toured an aide distribution site, met with NGO representatives, as well as U.S. military personnel who are assisting in aid efforts.

• A meeting with President Rene Preval and Prime Minister Jean-Max Bellerive to discuss the specific needs of the Haitian government ahead of an anticipated supplemental appropriations request to Congress to assist in the long-term reconstruction effort. Although the 2008 storm season and the recent earthquake has had a devastating effect on the national economy, President Preval noted the positive impact of the bipartisan HOPE legislation passed by Congress in 2008.