Congresswoman Stacey E. Plaskett released the following statement after the House of Representatives passed H.R. 6504, the Haiti Economic Lift Program Extension Act, reauthorizing the HOPE/HELP trade preference program for three additional years through December 31, 2028:
“Today’s passage of the Haiti Economic Lift Program Extension Act is a significant victory for Haiti and for strategic U.S. engagement in the Caribbean. The bipartisan support for reauthorizing HOPE/HELP demonstrates that when it comes to supporting our neighbors and advancing our shared interests, Democrats and Republicans can work together.
“I am proud to have championed this legislation to support our Caribbean neighbors and foster economic development in the region. I want to thank Ranking Member Neal, Chairman Smith, Dr. Murphy, and my longtime friend, Haiti’s Ambassador to the United States, Lionel Delatour, for their leadership in keeping the light of Haiti HOPE alive in the House of Representatives. The work of countless civil society groups supporting Haiti’s stabilization and any American manufacturers pushed for the renewal of this legislation.
“HOPE/HELP is a trade preference program with strong bipartisan support, that secures jobs for our allies. Haitian apparel utilizes U.S. cotton and plays an essential role in shifting supply chains out of China and into the Western Hemisphere.
“I continue to emphasize the importance of U.S. trade engagement in the Caribbean region. This legislation advances stronger bilateral economic ties, provides greater certainty for investors, and delivers the economic security Haiti needs to rebuild and emerge more prosperous and resilient.
“The legislation will now be considered by the U.S. Senate, and if passed, will move to the President’s desk for signature. We know Haiti’s workers and families are counting on us to ensure this vital program continues without interruption.”
Background: Haiti faces overlapping humanitarian, political, and economic crises requiring immediate action. More than 60% of the people of Haiti are living below the poverty line, with over 25% in extreme poverty. The 37% youth unemployment rate, combined with declining female literacy and lower school enrollment rates, as well as the crime and gang violence, makes finding skilled work increasingly difficult.
The apparel sector is of incredible importance to Haiti’s economy and is the foundation for the country’s economic development. Given the cascading job losses and extreme security crisis that have displaced over 1.4 million Haitians and left half the country’s population experiencing life-threatening hunger, Haiti cannot afford to wait any longer for reauthorization of this vital program.
The HOPE/HELP reauthorization extends the period during which imports of certain Haitian-manufactured textile and apparel, and other goods produced in Haiti are eligible for duty-free treatment, providing the long-term certainty that Haitian producers and workers need to build stronger, more resilient futures. The legislation also restores eligibility for certain textiles that became ineligible due to changes in the Harmonized Tariff Schedule.
