Pelosi Leading Congressional Trip to Haiti

6162250House Speaker Nancy Pelosi is traveling with a handful of Democratic congressmen and one Republican on a trip to Haiti today, the speaker's office announced. A month after an enormous earthquake tore the country apart, the country of Haiti is still struggling to recover.

"In the spirit of President Obama, we go to demonstrate the ongoing American commitment to the Haitian people – that they will not be forsaken or forgotten," Pelosi said in a statement.

She said it was critical for both Democrats and Republicans to take the opportunity to examine the reconstruction efforts in Haiti before Congress considers dedicating long-term assistance to the country. Immediately following the earthquake, President Obama committed $100 million in initial aid.

Along with assessing the American recovery efforts there, the delegation will meet with Haitian President Rene Preval and other government officials. They are scheduled to return later today. Those traveling with Pelosi incude Sens. Tom Harkin (D-Iowa), Bill Nelson (D-Fla.), Frank Lautenberg (D-N.J.), Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.) and George LeMieux (R-Fla.), as well as Reps. John Conyers (D-Mich.), Charles Rangel (D-N.Y.), Sheila Jackson Lee (D-Texas), Earl Blumenauer (D-Ore.) and Virgin Islands Delegate Donna Christensen.