HELP and HOPE Renewal Bill Introduced
Rep. Brad Wenstrup, R-Ohio, introduced the HELP Extension Act of 2023 to renew trade preference programs for Haiti ahead of its September 2025 expiration.
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Wenstrup, who had three Republican co-sponsors and two Democratic co-sponsors on the bill, said in a news release, "By extending the Haitian Hemispheric Opportunity through Partnership Encouragement (HOPE) Act and the Haiti Economic Lift Program (HELP) Act, the United States can send an important message of support to our friends and neighbors in Haiti who are dealing with a horrific humanitarian crisis as a result of gang violence and political instability."
He also said that it supports congressional goals of nearshoring supply chains and moving sourcing out of China. The bill was introduced Sept. 20.
Rep. Mike Lawler, a majority maker Republican from a New York district that is a swing district, said: "Many of my constituents still have family in Haiti. As the country continues to struggle with violent crime and political unrest, it is critical that we support the Haitian people and help provide them with economic stability during this tumultuous time. Not only will this uplift Haiti’s economy, it will decrease U.S. dependency on Chinese goods. That’s something we can all support and I look forward to working with my colleagues to help the HELP Extension Act become law.”
"Congress must act this year to renew the U.S./Haitian trade programs so that this partnership, which supports jobs and communities in Haiti and the United States, can remain strong and stable,” American Apparel and Footwear Association CEO Stephen Lamar said.