First Lady Michelle Obama and Dr. Jill Biden made a surprise visit to Haiti today, demonstrating the ongoing commitment of the U.S. to development efforts there following the country’s devastating earthquake in January. The White House said the visit was “to underscore to the Haitian people and the Haitian government the enduring U.S. commitment to help recover and rebuild.” Mrs. Obama and Dr. Biden will be meeting with the U.S. government workers who are on the ground to thank them for their efforts, as well as touch base with NGOs there—many of which are USGLC members that continue to make such a difference in helping the people of Haiti recover.

USGLC members have worked in Haiti for years, and they elevated their efforts following the earthquake. With USAID having led the recovery efforts since the beginning of the crisis, Haiti will be a long-term development effort for the U.S. The President submitted a $2.8 billion supplemental budget request to Congress for additional Haiti recovery efforts–$1.9 billion of which would go to the International Affairs Budget. Congress is expected to take up this request as early as next week.

View the slideshow of USGLC members helping with the relief efforts in Haiti.