Biden: U.S. committed to Haiti

MIAMI, April 6 (UPI) -- The U.S. commitment to helping Haiti rebuild after the devastating earthquake is unwavering, Vice President Joe Biden reassured Haitian-Americans in Miami.

Biden also pledged to follow up on concerns expressed by Haitian-Americans who want to be involved in their homeland's redevelopment and revitalization from the 7-magnitude earthquake Jan. 12, The Miami Herald reported Tuesday.

"We are going to work with the people of Haiti, we are going to work with the diaspora, we are going to work with all of you," Biden told two dozen Haitian-Americans Monday.

Last week, the United States was among the largest donors for Haiti's reconstruction, pledging $1.15 billion over the next 18 months during an international donors conference at the United Nations. Foreign aid donors pledged nearly $5.3 billion to aid Haiti's rebuilding efforts and $9.9 billion for the next decade.

Haitian government officials have estimated the nation will need $11.5 billion for the next 18 months, and $34.4 billion over the next decade for the massive redevelopment effort.

"We have no reduced commitment. The president continues to remain committed to rebuilding Haiti, and rebuilding it better," Biden said. "We made a promise and it is a promise just not to pick up the rubble but also to try and get Haiti on its feet, and quite frankly on their feet in a way they haven't been for some time."