As one of the poorest countries in the Western Hemisphere, Haiti is plagued by poverty, AIDS, deprivation and corruption. After years of dictatorship, the country is still struggling to establish a democracy.

Currently, the United States provides about $75 million every year in humanitarian aid to Haitian charities to build local health-care and infrastructure. From 1994-1999, the US poured $2.2 billion of U.S. taxpayers' money into Haiti. Unfortunately, there is little to show for it as poverty, fraud and corruption are still widespread.

Our nation, its people and the church must come to the assistance of the people in Haiti. One of my very good friends, Dr. Mitchell Mutter continues to lead a medical mission effort in Haiti with many trips each year. This is God's work and we should support it.

The Bush Administration has expressed concerns about the election process in Haiti, particularly the legislative elections. The Administration also supports efforts by the Organization of American States to bring all parties together to resolve the electoral impasse in Haiti. Direct assistance to Haiti will be reviewed again once the Aristide government improves on its drug-interdiction practices and both political parties agree on a formula to address voting irregularities in the 2000 elections.