Congressman Al Green laments the tragedy in Haiti and collaborates in the relief efforts coordinated from the United States

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Washington (DC) – January 13, 2010 – (RealEstateRama) — Today, Congressman Al Green (TX-09) expressed his deep condolences to the people of Haiti in the wake of a 7.0 magnitude earthquake that devastated the capital of Port-Au-Prince on Tuesday. The Congressman also pledged to cooperate with federal and local authorities to assist with the relief efforts they are coordinating.

“This is a horrific tragedy. The earthquake was brutal, the most powerful to hit Haiti in more than 200 years. It has distressed a very poor and humble nation. Haiti is our neighbor and, therefore, the United States is strongly committed to leading the international relief efforts that are being carried out as we speak,” said Congressman Green.

The Congressman noted that due to the severe damage to Haiti’s infrastructure, it is very difficult to determine how many people have lost their lives in the disaster.

“The United States and nations from around the world are coordinating relief efforts that focus on the rescue of those who are alive, as well as providing medical attention to the survivors,” he explained. The Congressman added that the supply of water, food and medicine, and construction of temporary shelters are priorities during the next few hours.

Congressman Green’s Washington and Houston District offices are in constant contact with the federal and local authorities coordinating the response to this catastrophe. In Houston, Congressman Green’s office is working with the local Haitian-American community.

“Haiti needs the help of the United States. Haiti has helped other nations and now we need urgent assistance to re-build our country. We need a commitment in the long run from many sectors such as medical providers, manufacturers and representatives of the construction industry,” said Roselene Alexis, the head of Haiti Earthquake Relief 2010 in Houston, who is originally from Haiti.

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, 2,518 Houstonians have Haitian ancestry.

The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) reports Haiti is one of the world’s poorest countries and suffered $900 million in hurricane-related damages before yesterday’s earthquake. The World Bank classifies Haiti as a low-income, chronic food deficit country because it produces less than half of its food needs (43 percent in 2008) and 46 percent of Haitians do not have access to potable water.

The struggles of the Haitian people are of great concern to Congressman Green. He noted that the unemployment rate is between 70 and 80 percent, 54 percent of the population lives on less than $1 per day, and illiteracy is estimated at 44 percent.

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Alvaro ‘Al’ Ortiz
Press Secretary
Congressman Al Green, 9th District-Texas
United States House of Representatives
3003 South Loop West, Suite 460
Houston, TX 77054
Office Phone: 713-383-9321
Cellular Phone: 202-527-1109
Fax: 713-383-9202
Email: Alvaro.Ortiz (at) mail.house (dot) gov

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On January 4, 2007 U.S. Representative Al Green took the oath of office to serve the people of Texas’ 9th Congressional District and began his second term in the United States House of Representatives. As a veteran civil rights advocate, he has dedicated his life to fighting for those in society whose voices, too often, are not heard.

Congressman Green’s chief legislative priority for the 110th Congress is creating a Federal Living Wage. As the Democratic Whip for Region 6 and one of the newest members of the Committee on Homeland Security, Green is dedicated to increasing U.S. port and border security and reducing chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear threats. He also serves on the Financial Services Committee where he continues his fight to eliminate insurance, housing and lender practices that have historically victimized low and moderate income communities. Additionally, Congressman Green remains committed to increasing the levels affordable housing and ensuring that every American realizes the dream of homeownership.

Contact:

Alvaro 'Al' Ortiz (Press Secretary)
Office Phone: (713) 383 9234 Ext. 111
Cell Phone: (832) 606 5869

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