Mack’s opening statement at the hearing, as prepared, follows:

“Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I would like to thank Administrator Shah and the other witnesses for being here today.

“Before addressing the concerns we are hearing out of Haiti, I want to first commend the U.S. military and government officials who have dedicated years of service to improving the situation in Haiti, and pay tribute to those who lost their lives during the earthquake.

“I would also like to acknowledge U.S. Ambassador Kenneth Merten for his dedication to mitigating the terrible consequences of the earthquake and for keeping us informed throughout the process.

“Finally, I want to recognize the Haitian people for their perseverance in the face of catastrophe, and the government of Haiti, which is in a daily struggle to maintain order. Much has been accomplished already, but more needs to be done.

“In addition to bringing needed relief to Haitians, a functioning Haiti is in the best interest of the United States.

“For example, Haiti is a trans-shipment point for the trafficking of drugs and other illegal activity from South America into the U.S.

“The fact that Venezuela has pledged more than any other single nation for relief in Haiti should make the United States sit up and take notice. As the international community works to ‘build Haiti back better,’ we need to focus on benchmarks that can be achieved, and on achieving them effectively- not on how much and how fast.

“Given that a great deal of improvement depends upon actions that must be taken by the Haitian government, I first want to hear that we have a plan that works within this unique environment.

“For example, Haiti is in the height of an election cycle, with elections scheduled for November 28. Land entitlement has been a long-established problem in Haiti that requires unpopular government action to remedy. And supporting long-term sustainable development in Haiti has been an on-going challenge.

“Also, when not monitored closely, large influxes of food assistance and U.S. dollars can harm the agricultural sector and cause inflation in the Haitian economy.

“Given these and other extreme challenges in Haiti, I look forward to hearing how the coordination strategy is working, and how aid will be utilized strategically to help the Haitians overcome obstacles to development.

“Thank you, Mr. Chairman.”

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