06.28.15

Durbin In Haiti To Assess U.S. Assistance Programs Five Years After Devastating Earthquake And Cross-Border Issues With The Dominican Republic

[PORT AU PRINCE] – Assistant Senate Democratic Leader, U.S. Senator Dick Durbin (D-IL) was in Haiti this weekend to meet with top Haitian officials and asses the status of U.S. assistance programs five years after the country’s devastating earthquake. Durbin traveled with U.S. Senator Bill Nelson (D-FL).  They also addressed the current cross-border issues with the Dominican Republic relative to registration of Haitian emigres.

  

The senators met with Haitian President Michel Martelly, U.S. Ambassador Pamela White and officials coordinating American assistance in the country.

  

“The recovery efforts in Haiti represent one of America's largest foreign assistance program in the Western Hemisphere and have made notable improvements in the lives of everyday Haitians,” said Durbin. “It’s difficult to imagine the scope of the devastation experienced in Haiti, and while there is still work to do, I am encouraged by what I have seen.  Senator Nelson and I have been closely involved in America’s role in the recovery, and are proud that American generosity could help the Haitian people rebuild their nation.”

  

This is Senator Durbin’s third trip to Haiti in the last ten years. Durbin has championed reforestation and clean water efforts in the country.