Better World Campaign Executive Director Yeo’s Statement on Committee Passage of FY2010 Emergency Supplemental Appropriations Legislation

Peter Yeo, Executive Director of the Better World Campaign, released the following statement lauding yesterday’s passage of H.R. 4899 in the Senate Appropriations Committee.  The legislation will provide emergency supplemental appropriations for Fiscal Year 2010 and contains $96.5 million for the UN peacekeeping mission in Haiti to carry out their critical recovery and relief efforts.

“Prior to the devastating earthquake, UN peacekeepers played a critical role in improving security by training the Haitian National Police, and helping to dramatically reduce gang activities.  Since the earthquake, an additional 3,500 troops and police arrived to supplement existing forces and have helped maintain security by conducting thousands of patrols and assisting humanitarians on the ground.  Passage of the Supplemental will help ensure this critical work continues. 

 “As Haiti enters the hurricane season, it is urgent that the U.S. and the UN work together to reconstruct the shattered nation.  As Secretary Clinton noted at the UN Donor’s Conference in March, if the international community comes together to help rebuild a stronger country, Haiti will become an engine for progress and prosperity.  

 “The need for aid is urgent - over 1.3 million Haitians are still struggling for basic human necessities - and we call on the full Senate to act quickly and pass this vital legislation to help Haiti.”