Congressman Charles B. Rangel released the following statement regarding yesterday's earthquake in Haiti:
"As a longtime friend to the country of Haiti, it is with a heavy heart that I send out my prayers to the Haitian people after a disastrous earthquake hit the island Tuesday. The images are startling and sobering − a dramatic reminder of the need to pledge aid to a country that has not even completely recovered from the four storms that ravaged it from August to September 2008.
"In the short term, Haiti's emergency needs are overwhelming. Even with the death and casualty toll still unknown, the immediate need for food, medicines, water, emergency shelter, and equipment are obvious. It is also clear that there will be an even greater need for a long-term commitment to rebuild the nation's infrastructure, as well as educational, security, and economic assistance. As the leader in our hemisphere and Haiti's most important political partner, the U.S. should lead the way in supporting these efforts.
"Thankfully, the cries of our struggling neighbors have not gone unheard. In less than 24 hours, we have seen Americans from a cross section of society -- from elected officials in Washington to everyday residents all over New York City -- reach out and offer assistance.
"The Obama Administration for its part has pledged its full support for rescue and humanitarian assistance. I applaud President Obama's decision to commit heavy military equipment from Guantanamo to assist in the search-and-rescue mission. I would also like to applaud the Department of Homeland Security for temporarily halting deportations and removal proceeding to the island. I stand with other members of Congress in requesting that, in light of this natural disaster, Temporary Protection Status or DED be granted for Haitians already living in the United States. To send an additional 30,000 people back to a country that will have millions of displaced individuals at this time would be both ill-advised and unkind.
"I look forward to working with the various coalitions assembled from the private and public sector to ensure that medical assistance gets to the island and that local search-and-rescue teams are deployed as soon as possible.
"My wife, Alma, and I will continue praying for the people of Haiti and do whatever we can to support the relief efforts. We know our community has demonstrated a remarkable spirit of generosity, particularly towards the long-suffering nation of Haiti, and that will no doubt continue.
"We all stand with Haitians here and abroad in this time of trouble and stand ready with sympathetic hearts to extend a helping hand."
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