Brooklyn, N.Y. – Congresswoman Yvette D. Clarke (NY-09) released the following statement on a bipartisan letter she sent to Secretary of State Rex Tillerson calling on him to keep the position of Haiti Special Coordinator.

“Since the earthquake in 2010, the Nation of Haiti has experienced a period of enormous difficulty, in which many Haitian families have been displaced from their homes, a cholera epidemic has afflicted almost a million people, and both the economic and political situation remain precarious. Our location and history in the region place a unique responsibility on the United States to provide all assistance necessary to support the recovery in Haiti. As Secretary Tillerson assumes leadership at the Department of State, I urge him to continue to focus attention on the circumstances in Haiti and to work with the Haitian community here and in Haiti to develop a collaborative approach to the problems that remain. Continuing to dedicate resources to an independent office dedicated solely to Haiti will provide an important contribution to that effort.”