Murphy Applauds House Passage of Haiti Economic Lift Program Extension Act

Washington, D.C. — Congressman Greg Murphy, M.D., issued the following statement in response to the House of Representatives passing his bill, H.R. 6504, the Haiti Economic Lift Program Extension Act.

"The HOPE/HELP programs have delivered meaningful economic opportunities to thousands of people in Haiti who desperately need stability, hope, and a path forward in the face of unprecedented crises," said Congressman Greg Murphy, M.D. "Having served as a medical missionary in this country, I know firsthand the desperation of the people. What happens there affects the broader stability of the Caribbean and our hemisphere. Ensuring stability, opportunity, and lawful economic activity in Haiti is squarely in the national interest of the United States and a strong deterrent to violent gangs, transnational criminal organizations, or hostile foreign actors. I am grateful for the leadership of Chairman Jason Smith on this issue and the broad bipartisan support of the House of Representatives."

"I commend Representative Murphy for leading this bipartisan effort," said Ways and Means Committee Chairman Jason Smith (MO-08). "Through his mission work, Dr. Murphy knows as well as anyone the need for extending the HOPE and HELP programs to not only preserve jobs in Haiti but also help address an ongoing humanitarian crisis. Promoting greater stability in the region will help our supply chains here at home – including for businesses in North Carolina that have built reliable partnerships in Haiti – and advance the economic and security interests of America by keeping malign actors out of a vulnerable nation close to home."

"The Haiti Economic Lift Program Extension Act is integral to ensuring that Haitian families have an economic lifeline that reduces their vulnerability to the gangs driving the economic and humanitarian crisis in the country," said Foreign Affairs Committee Ranking Member Gregory Meeks (NY-05). "Congress cannot afford to turn a blind eye to what is happening in Haiti, and I thank Rep. Murphy and all my colleagues who’ve worked across the aisle to pass this crucial legislation on the House floor."

Background

• In 2006, Congress amended the Hemispheric Opportunity through Partnership and Encouragement (HOPE) Act, eliminating duties on Haitian apparel exports to the United States. Following the devastating 2010 earthquake in Haiti, Congress passed the Haiti Economic Lift Program (HELP) Act, expanding duty-free status for Haitian exports.
   
• This bill will provide a three-year extension of the HOPE/HELP programs, which have delivered meaningful economic opportunities to thousands of people in Haiti and stability and security for the Western Hemisphere.