Washington, D.C. — Congressman Greg Murphy, M.D. introduced H.R. 1625, the HELP Extension Act, bipartisan legislation to extend the HOPE/HELP trade programs with Haiti for ten years, bolstering America's nearshore supply chains and improving stability in the Caribbean.
"The HOPE and HELP programs have proven to be mutually beneficial to the United States and Haiti," said Congressman Greg Murphy, M.D. "Shifting our supply chains away from China to neighboring nations provides stability for American consumers and businesses. Likewise, a robust trade relationship with Haiti has given the embattled nation much-needed economic opportunity, providing a pathway to future peace and stability. I am proud to lead the bipartisan effort to extend these vital programs and our fruitful relationship."
"Establishing long-term stability in Haiti requires a strong foundation for economic opportunity and growth," said Congresswoman Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick, Co-Chair of the House Haiti Caucus. "The HOPE/HELP trade preference program has played an integral role in this effort, strengthening the apparel sector and creating jobs throughout the country. We must reauthorize HOPE/HELP immediately in order to help the U.S. economy and reaffirm our commitment to Haiti’s security and prosperity."
"As Haiti faces an ongoing, unprecedented crisis, it is crucial for businesses to remain in the country to support jobs, economic growth, and stability," said Western Hemisphere Subcommittee Chairwoman María Elvira Salazar. "The HOPE/HELP trade programs currently provide employment for over 10,000 Haitians, creating opportunities for prosperity and recovery. Supporting economic development within Haiti is of strategic interest to the United States. Congress must act to ensure these initiatives continue."
"Now more than ever, the United States needs to support Haiti and its people by expanding the HOPE/HELP program," said Congresswoman Frederica Wilson. "Duty-free access to Haitian apparel will be vital in supporting Haiti’s economy and helping stabilize thousands of hardworking Haitians. HOPE/HELP has already played a significant role in revitalizing Haiti’s manufacturing sector, and we must continue to support the program because strengthening Haiti’s economy helps the United States and underscores our commitment to the Haitian people."
"Gildan is pleased to see the introduction of HOPE/HELP renewal legislation, which plays a vital role in supporting U.S. textile jobs and strengthening regional supply chains," said Marc Doyon, Vice President Commodities, Gildan. "By driving demand for American-grown cotton and yarns within Gildan’s vertically integrated supply chain, the bill bolsters U.S. manufacturing while also promoting nearshoring and maintaining jobs in Haiti. Renewing HOPE/HELP is essential to continuing this mutually beneficial relationship."
"The Association des Industries d'Haïti (ADIH) strongly supports HOPE/HELP reauthorization as a lifeline for thousands of Haitian workers and their families," said Maulik Radia, President, ADIH. "Without the immediate reauthorization of this program, Haiti will experience further job losses in the apparel sector. The apparel industry is the backbone of Haiti’s formal economy and with the looming expiration of the HOPE/HELP legislation these critically needed jobs have shrunk from a peak of 60,000 to just over 20,000. Most of these jobs are in the north and east of Haiti where security is not the issue, but the looming expiration of HOPE/HELP is causing buyers to shift orders away from Haiti. In December, Congress recognized the importance of action a bi-partisan basis when it moved to include HOPE/HELP reauthorization in the initial version of the continuing resolution – we are relying on Congress and the Administration to move forward again in this regard early in this Congress. HOPE/HELP is not an aid program or one-way trade benefit, it helps maintain apparel jobs in the Hemisphere and Haiti and for every dollar Haiti can export to the United States Haiti spends a dollar on U.S. imports. This is reciprocal trade – indeed Haiti runs a trade deficit with the United States. HOPE/HELP is the one economic tool that can quickly provide jobs for Haiti and move the country forward, and timely action is critical."
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 to for Haitians exports. These programs are set to expire in September 2025 without congressional action. |