Benjamin Gilman: “I want to set forth my reasons for my opposition to the amendment offered by my friend the gentleman from Michigan, Mr.…”

“I want to set forth my reasons for my opposition to the amendment offered by my friend the gentleman from Michigan, Mr. Conyers. First, I recognize and applaud the tireless efforts of the gentleman from Michigan in trying to help Haiti. I share his commitment to helping the people of Haiti overcome that impoverished nation's legacy of violence and dictatorship. Haitians need to be able to compete in the global economy. We should assist Haiti by fostering private sector jobs, helping Haitians educate their children and gain access to clean water and decent healthcare, among other issues. I will be pleased to work with the gentleman from Michigan and other Members to support continued assistance that directly reaches the people of Haiti. The Conyers Amendment would strike language that is straightforward and appropriate. This language permits U.S. assistance to flow to the government of Haiti only if the Secretary of State reports to the Committees on Appropriations that Haiti has held free and fair elections to seat a new parliament. The language in this bill will not prevent U.S. assistance from being directed to the people of Haiti directly or through non-governmental intermediaries. On May 21, 2000, a broad majority of Haitians courageously and deliberately voted on a peaceful election day that contrasted sharply with a campaign that witnessed some 15 people--many of them opposition candidates and officials--murdered.”