WASHINGTON, D.C.—Senator John D. (Jay) Rockefeller IV, Chairman of the U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, issued the following statement regarding the devastating earthquake in Haiti and the ongoing relief efforts of U.S. government agencies under the Committee’s jurisdiction: 

“My thoughts and prayers continue to be with the people of Haiti during such a disastrous time,” said Chairman Rockefeller. “As the enormity of destruction and the long term impact on millions of Haitians becomes known, America’s resolve to help its neighbors must be unwavering. During this time of crisis, the men, women and children of Haiti deserve some semblance of community and the assurance that relief efforts will continue. To all the dedicated U.S. government agencies – especially those the Senate Commerce Committee works with everyday – we thank you for your incredible commitment to Haiti and for your tireless work and dedication to rebuilding lives.”

The Senate Commerce Committee and Chairman Rockefeller extends its deepest thanks to:

• The U.S. Coast Guard, whose continued relief efforts have resulted in the rescue of countless earthquake victims, the distribution of supplies, and preliminary assessment of damages to vital infrastructures;
• The Federal Communications Commission (FCC), who has been working to ensure satellite communications with Haiti and has deployed staff to support FEMA’s Mobile Emergency Management System and to conduct a technical assessment of the damage to critical communications infrastructure;
• The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), who has been monitoring airport facilities to ensure incoming relief aircraft can operate safely, and providing air traffic control support to speed the arrival of relief supplies;
• The Maritime Administration (MARAD), who has deployed 5 ships available to support Haiti relief operations by delivering enormous loads of food and supplies, restarting port operations, and providing housing;
• The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), whose personnel flew aerial surveys for damage assessment to support Search and Rescue and to identify transportation corridors in and out of Port-au-Prince, especially routes connecting unaffected seaports;
• And NASA, who has provided high resolution satellite images of the areas hardest hit by the earthquake, which are being used to direct recovery efforts and determine areas in danger of landslides.

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