The thing to realize is that the there is a limit to how much relief the pipeline can handle (and only so much pipeline that can exist).
That said, I think it makes sense for the United States to make an initial pledge for a substantial amount of what can be delivered now. Then, when we have a better idea of what the needs are specifically, and the infrastructure is in place to deliver greater quantities of aid, act accordingly.
Also, the amount is only the government. The people of the United States are also donating millions more to disaster relief.
No matter what we do, nobody will be satisfied, so we might as well act in what we see as a prudent, measured manner to ensure the aid is delivered efficiently to those who need it.
