Washington Office
233 Cannon HOB
Washington, DC 20515
Office (202) 225-2305
Fax (202) 225-7018
District Office
510 East Foothill Boulevard
Suite 201
San Dimas, CA 91773
Office (909) 575-6226
Toll Free (888) 906-2626
Fax (909) 575-6266
Haitian Earthquake Relief
Over the last several days, we have all watched with shock and deep sadness as the situation in Haiti has unfolded. Our deepest condolences and heartfelt prayers are with the people of Haiti as they confront this profound tragedy. While the extent of the devastation is still becoming clear, Haitian President René Préval has called the human toll “unimaginable,” and all reports indicate that we have not witnessed a catastrophe of these proportions in our hemisphere in some time.
In this time of crisis, many questions are arising. Families and friends are trying to contact their loved ones who are living, working or traveling in Haiti. Others want to know how they can contribute to the relief effort or volunteer their services. For the most up-to-date information, including status updates for U.S. citizens currently in Haiti, please visit the U.S. State Department website.
As has been the case with previous natural disasters across the world, the generosity of the American people has been swift and tremendous. Tens of millions of dollars have been raised and relief is pouring into Haiti. Our outstanding U.S. military is on the ground helping to administer it. At the same time, local first responders from the across the U.S. and the world are there helping to pull survivors from the rubble and begin the rebuilding process.
In an effort to encourage further charitable giving, the U.S. House unanimously approved a bill that will allow donations made after January 11, 2010, the date of the earthquake, and before March 1, 2010 to be deducted from 2009 tax returns. This legislation was modeled on a bill approved in the wake of the 2004 tsunami.
Through the House Democracy Partnership, I have been working with the Haitian Parliament over the last three years as they have endeavored to build their own capacity to meet the needs of the Haitian people. I have come to know and respect a number of the dedicated public servants who are striving to overcome their country’s great challenges and build a brighter future. The events of the last week have been particularly difficult to watch, knowing how hard so many Haitians have been working to rebuild their country after years of political conflict and neglect. The road ahead for Haiti will be tough and long. But with the generosity and support of the American people, it may be a little easier to navigate.