House Foreign Affairs Committee U.S. House of Representatives Ileana Ros-Lehtinen, Ranking Republican
	For Immediate Release May 5, 2008	Contact:  Sam Stratman, (202) 226-7875 Alex Cruz, (202) 225-8200
	Ros-Lehtinen, Meek Others Urge U.S. Food Assistance to Haiti Also urge investment in U. of Miami’s Global Institute sustainable food security project
	(WASHINGTON) – {Haiti's food shortages threaten to deteriorate quickly into a broader political and security crisis if relief doesn't soon reach the island nation, U.S. Rep. Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (R-FL) warned today. In a letter today to President Bush, Ros-Lehtinen and seven other House members urged a quick timetable for distribution of food aid to Haiti and additional emergency funding to the University of Miami’s Global Institute (UMGI) to support its Food Security and Sustainable Agriculture Proposal. "Widespread hunger, rioting and political unrest weaken Haiti's fledgling democracy, undermine its capacity to respond to the crisis and create new challenges to our security interests in the region," said Ros-Lehtinen, Ranking Republican on the House Foreign Affairs Committee. U.S. Rep. Kendrick B. Meek (D-FL), who also signed the letter, said "the United States has an obligation to do everything it can, and even when it feels it's done enough, we have a duty to dig deeper and do more. The UMGI initiative is a proactive approach that will ensure that Haiti has the necessary tools to avert a crisis before it occurs." The letter was also signed by U.S. Reps. Eliot Engel (D-NY), Lincoln Diaz-Balart (R-FL), Mario Diaz Balart (R-FL), Debbie Wasserman Schultz (D-FL), Alcee L. Hastings (D-FL), and Mark Kirk (R-IL). The Administration recently called on Congress to provide an additional $770 million to support food aid and development programs, increasing amounts to nearly $1 billion in new funds to bolster global food security. In addition to immediate assistance, Ros-Lehtinen is also seeking emergency help for the University of Miami’s Global Institute project designed to help Haiti develop sustainable agricultural practices, including establishment of farmer cooperatives, watershed management programs, and school-based feeding programs for vulnerable children. "Haiti is facing extraordinary conditions to provide a stable and secure environment to its citizens," Ros-Lehtinen wrote in the letter. "With this in mind, we hope to work closely with you to ensure the United States remains steadfast in our strong support of this vital nation." ######