Statement of Sen. Whitehouse on Haiti:

"My thoughts and prayers today are with the people of Haiti as they struggle to overcome this devastation, and with the many Rhode Islanders who have friends and family there. The United States is taking swift action to provide relief on the ground, and we will continue to do all we can to save lives and to help Haiti rebuild in the wake of this horrific tragedy."


WARWICK, R.I. - Congressman Jim Langevin today released the following statement regarding the recent devastating earthquake in Haiti:

"I extend my deepest sympathies to the people of Haiti, and to their worried and grieving loved ones around the world, after the tragic earthquake that devastated so much of the nation on Tuesday. It is heartbreaking that a country that has suffered through so much in its history now must endure this unimaginable disaster. My thoughts and prayers also go out to the injured Americans, Haitian-Americans with families impacted by this tragedy, and families and colleagues of the United Nations personnel who lost their lives.

"I applaud President Obama's quick action in sending civilian and military personnel and humanitarian resources to help in rescue and recovery, and am ready to work with my colleagues in Congress to support the Administration's efforts. I call on all Americans to show their support for the people of Haiti, whether by contributing to the Red Cross or other charitable organizations operating in Haiti, or offering products or services that may be needed. A wealth of information about how to help most effectively is available through the U.S. Agency for International Development at www.usaid.gov. In addition, any Rhode Islanders needing assistance in locating loved ones in Haiti are welcome to contact my office.

"In times of terrible suffering, the world community comes together to help those in need, and that is what we have seen in the aftermath of the Haiti earthquake. Now, we must ensure that our attention and our efforts do not waver."


PROVIDENCE, RI -- U.S. Senator Jack Reed (D-RI) today released the following statement regarding the earthquake in Haiti:

“Like all Rhode Islanders, my heart goes out to the people of Haiti and Haitian-Americans who are struggling with the devastation and loss of life following yesterday’s earthquake.

“President Obama has mobilized U.S. Coast Guard ships and aircraft and is sending additional resources to help with the relief effort.

“I have been contacted by several families who have relatives in Haiti, some of whom were expected to return to Rhode Island within the week. My office continues to coordinate efforts with the State Department, the American Citizen Service Unit at the U.S. Embassy in Port-au-Prince, the Haitian Consulate in New York, and the Haitian Embassy in Washington, DC.

“I have also received many calls from Rhode Islanders wanting to help. Those wishing to help may contact the Red Cross, which is only taking monetary donations at this time. Additionally, a volunteer list is being formed and there are efforts underway to help volunteers who have been trained in disaster relief to travel to Haiti, if needed.

“I encourage Rhode Islanders who need assistance contacting family members and loved ones in Haiti to contact my office.”


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Washington, DC – Congressman Patrick J. Kennedy (D-RI) issued the following statement on yesterday's earthquake in Haiti:

“Our thoughts and prayers are with the people of Haiti as they deal with the aftermath of yesterday’s tragic earthquake. The scale of the loss of life, injury, and destruction is devastating and I am pleased the Administration has committed humanitarian aid and assistance in response to this international crisis. We stand ready to help our neighbors in Haiti during this time of recovery.”