Congressman Rivera: 'Assessing Progress inHaiti Act' Reiterates U.S.'s Commitment to Haiti, Demands Accountability fromAll Involved

PRESS RELEASE

For Immediate Release

May 10, 2011

Contact: Leslie Veiga

Leslie.Veiga@mail.house.gov

(305) 222-0160

Congressman Rivera: 'Assessing Progress in Haiti Act' Reiterates U.S.'s

Commitment to Haiti, Demands Accountability from All Involved

Washington, DC- Today the House of Representatives began consideration on the Assessing Progress in Haiti Act, a bill sponsored by Congresswoman Barbara Lee (CA-9) and the House Committee on Foreign Affairs. The bill directs the President to report on the progress of relief, recovery and development efforts in Haiti. It also calls on the President to access whether efforts are being coordinated properly in the United States and with foreign countries and international organizations.

"Last year, Haiti was struck by an unexpected disaster. I had the opportunity to visit Haiti in the wake of the earthquake with some of my then-colleagues from the Florida House of Representatives to deliver medical supplies and a donation to the Clinton-Bush Haiti Fund. The level of destruction was inconceivable. But the outpouring of support from all around the world, and the optimism of the Haitian people, showed their hope in the face of tragedy," Congressman David Rivera (FL-25), a member of the Foreign Affairs Committee, said.

"More than a year later, Haiti continues to deal with the aftermath of the earthquake and other devastating events that have followed. The United States has played a key role in helping rebuild the nation, but there is a long way to go," Congressman Rivera continued. "The aim of the Assessing Progress in Haiti Act is to ensure that America's support is being utilized and implemented properly, effectively and transparently, not just within Haiti, but before the dollars even reach those affected. This bill protects against waste of U.S. taxpayer dollars, and demands accountability from the Haitian government— requiring Haitian authorities to commit to strengthening the country's democratic institutions and put an end to corruption.

"As new President Michel Martelly is scheduled to take office this Saturday, and hundreds of thousands of Haitians are still living without proper shelter, we are reiterating the United States' commitment to supporting Haiti's efforts to rebuild, while not letting waste, duplication and corruption derail those efforts," Congressman Rivera concluded.

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