Hank Johnson: “It is difficult to comprehend the depth of tragedy and sorrow that has visited the poor island of Haiti. It is difficult…”

“It is difficult to comprehend the depth of tragedy and sorrow that has visited the poor island of Haiti. It is difficult to convey the depth of our sympathy and shock at the catastrophe that has befallen the Haitian people. Madam Speaker, the extent of the misery, destruction and death is nearly beyond imagination. It surely puts our own national trials and tribulations into perspective. I am encouraged by the expression of solidarity that has sprung up across the United States. I hope that expression manifests not merely in words but in real action, real contributions, financial and otherwise, to aid our suffering Haitian brothers and sisters. I encourage the Obama Administration to continue working closely with the United Nations and the international community to ensure that the provision of critical assistance to the most vulnerable, the grievously injured and homeless, is the top priority of aid efforts. I encourage the American people to look with understanding and not with scorn upon the chaos that inevitably accompanies such disasters, wherever they occur. And I pledge, on behalf of my constituents, the full power and influence of Georgia's Fourth Congressional District to the effort to relieve Haitian suffering and save Haitian lives as the toll of this disaster continues to rise.”