Rep.Waters speaks with doctors, nurses and other health professionals from the Haitian American diaspora at a makeshift hospital in Port-au-Prince.

By Pamela Gentry, Senior Political Analyst

Feb. 25, 2010 – Rep. Maxine Waters (D-Calif.) visited Haiti last month and met with Haitian President René Préval, U.S. officials and relief workers.  While recovery efforts continue, Waters said, “Words cannot adequately describe the ongoing humanitarian disaster that is unfolding in Haiti.”

The three-day visit gave Waters a look at the problems and needs in and around Port-au-Prince.  “The earthquake has left behind untold levels of death, despair, and outright destitution. Though I am encouraged by the thousands of military, government, and nongovernmental operations that are happening all over the country, there is a critical need for macro-level organization and coordination of the relief effort.”

These photos were taken during her visit and are part of her private collection.  For more  information on the conditions and relief efforts in Haiti go to: http://waters.house.gov/

This amusement park in Port-au-Prince was turned into a makeshift hospital after the earthquake

By Pamela Gentry, Senior Political Analyst

Jan. 15, 2010 – President Obama has managed to divide his attention and remain forceful on two fronts this week; orchestrating the U.S. relief effort for the thousands of people impacted by the earthquake in Haiti and massaging Congressional Dems in the final days to get health care reform legislation passed.

After a full calendar of public events at the White House on relief efforts in Haiti and the roll out a tax penalty for banks, the president departed the White House headed to the Democratic Caucus retreat on Capitol Hill.   Obama used the opportunity to update everyone on the situation in Haiti and rally the troops over Congresses legislative accomplishments.  But he used a good portion of his speech to seal the deal on health care reform.

“It’s reform that finally offers Americans the security of knowing that they’ll have quality, affordable health care whether they lose their job or change their job or they get sick,” he said.

“So, I know everybody in the media is all in a tizzy — “Oh, what’s this going to mean politically?”  Well, let me tell you something.  If Republicans want to campaign against what we’ve done by standing up for the status quo and for insurance companies over American families and businesses that is a fight I want to have.”

And it looks like another fight has come to an end.  One of the most recent stumbling blocks for the health care bill appears to have been removed Thursday. Labor unions had objected to the proposed tax on high-cost insurance policies.  Some of these policies had been negotiated by unions in lieu of wage increase – and they were fighting the surtax. 

But word is White House officials met with labor leaders and were able to cut a deal that would exempt union members until 2018. This means the surtax wouldn’t kick in for five year allowing labor unions time to adjust negotiating strategies with employers and give employers a window to see how it will impacts their cost.

With a day filled with policy, press and politicking – the president was also able to speak with President Fernandez of the Dominican Republic to expressed his appreciation for the role the Dominican Republic has played in facilitating the evacuation of U.S. citizens.  The country is located to the east of Haiti and has allowed relief teams and supplies into Haiti through the country.

 
The president received a late night update on Haiti Thursday before retiring for the night from Deputy National Security Advisor Tom Donilon on “our relief efforts and the situation on the ground in Haiti.”

The president met with agencies leading the relief efforts for Haiti Wednesday night in the Situation Room to underscore the importance of getting relief to Haiti as quickly as possible. (Official White House Photo by Pete Souza)

By Pamela Gentry, Senior Political Analyst

Jan. 14, 2010 – As reports emerge estimating thousands of deaths in the earth quake in Port-Au-Prince, Haiti Tuesday,  Rep.  Edolphus “Ed” Towns (D-NY) is ready to start planning for a congressional delegation to travel to the devastated capital city.   Towns, the chairman of the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, met with State Department officials Wednesday to discuss humanitarian efforts and to get plans for a visit underway.  
 
“During the last few years, Haiti has suffered tremendously from several natural disasters, from hurricanes to mudslides. In addition to the tragic human toll, the disasters have severely hobbled the nation’s already fragile infrastructure and economy,” Towns said. 

“I am pleased with the swift reaction of the United States government so far and am encouraged by the international support flowing into Haiti.  I will continue working with my colleagues to monitor the situation and assist with the rescue and recovery efforts.”
 
Towns said the reason for the delegation’s trip will be to provide support and assess the scope of resources needed, including food, water and economic assistance.  “As the poorest country in the Western Hemisphere struggles to overcome the loss of life and destruction that has been wrought, I strongly urge those blessed with the means to help, to please do so.”  For information on how you can help, click here.

Black lawmakers have been outspoken for the plight about the country noted for being the poorest in the Western Hemisphere.  Haiti is home to 9 million people – 2 million of them in Port-Au-Prince.  On Wednesday, members of the Congressional Black Caucus went to the House floor to discuss earthquake relief efforts, to help Haitians locate displaced family members and stop misinformation campaigns circulating  following the disaster.

Rep. Kendrick Meek (D-Fla.) conducted several interviews and released a statement to combat rumors of the deportation of illegal immigrants in the wake of the earthquake. “Just to be clear: The U.S. government halted the deportation of non-criminal Haitians living in the U.S. nearly a year ago and is not currently deporting illegal Haitian immigrants in the aftermath of this week’s earthquake. I have always pushed for Temporary Protection Status (TPS) for Haitians in the U.S., but right now my concern is for those whose lives hang in the balance.”

Since the quake I have received statements from lawmakers expressing their grief, concerns and commitment to helping the people of Haiti.  Black lawmakers have always been at the forefront of fighting for financial aid for the improvised country.  Fifty percent of Haitians are unemployed and 70 percent live on less than $2.00 a day.  While estimates of the damage and loss of life are tallied, there is no doubt Haiti will need an enormous amount of  financial aid, humanitarian aid, and infrastructure support from the international community.  

Meek said Wednesday the most urgent need is “providing relief to victims of the disaster and stabilizing and rebuilding the nation.”  That could be a difficult task in the weeks and months ahead.    

For information on how you can help, click here.