Washington - Today, U.S. Senator Robert Menendez (D-NJ), Chairman of the Foreign Relations Subcommittee that oversees U.S. foreign assistance -- including emergency aid -- released the following statement on the devastating 7.0 magnitude earthquake that hit the destitute country yesterday:
"This is an unimaginable tragedy -- an earthquake of this magnitude hitting our neediest neighbor in the Western Hemisphere. The extent of its effects continues to emerge, but it is clear that the devastation is widespread and unprecedented, and that the Haitian people desperately need our full support and assistance. Thousands are estimated to have died, millions have been affected, and important community resources are destroyed. Our thoughts and prayers are with the people of Haiti and Haitian Americans, including the large community in New Jersey. We stand in solidarity with them and have mobilized to provide assistance.
"As Chairman of the Foreign Relations subcommittee in charge of foreign assistance, my office is working with closely with USAID to ensure that our nation is fulfilling every request to help the rescue and recovery efforts. I applaud President Obama, USAID Administrator Shah and many members of the international community for the swift and effective mobilization of resources. In addition many communities in New Jersey have already signaled their willingness to lend a helping hand and provide resources to help Haiti recover as quickly as possible, and I applaud their commitment to helping our Haitian friends."
###
