Thomas Foley: “Thank you, Ms. Ros-Lehtinen, Madam Chairman. And first let me thank Maxine Waters, my colleague from California, who not…”

“Thank you, Ms. Ros-Lehtinen, Madam Chairman. And first let me thank Maxine Waters, my colleague from California, who not only accompanied me to Haiti, but traveled from California on a late-night red eye to meet me in Miami to fly to Haiti, to fly back to California that very day, in a gesture of goodwill, in a bipartisan gesture of goodwill to show Rene Preval that the United States Congress, Democrat and Republican, wish him Godspeed in helping the people of Haiti. Chairwoman Ros-Lehtinen told you the facts. On February 7, 2.2 million Haitians went to the polls and exercised their constitutional right to select a leader. They went by foot, by tap tap and other forms of transportation, traveling hours and standing in line for almost a day to get to their polling places. Despite some early challenges, things did go very well. Mr. Preval, a populist president, as the only person to ever serve a full term as an elected president in Haiti, brings to his office the hopes and dreams of every Haitian. As we sat with Mr. Preval, I think Maxine and I both felt a palpable sense of hope and optimism. Mr. Preval understands the challenges that face him in Haiti. Mr. Preval was quick to suggest they don't need an army and waste tax dollars or federal dollars or dollars from other countries in establishing an army. He wants a legitimate police force. He wants a police force free of corruption. He wants health care and education to the provinces of Haiti.…”