Haiti Economic Lift Program Extension Act
Floor Speech
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Mr. SMITH of Nebraska. Madam Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 6504, the Haiti Economic Lift Program Extension Act.
The Haiti HELP/HOPE program provides significant benefit to both the U.S. and Haiti. These preferences can deliver tangible results in Haiti while also supporting our goals for diversification.
Providing duty-free access for textiles and apparel from Haiti leads to more affordable products for U.S. consumers while creating in- country opportunities for Haiti's workforce.
The apparel and textiles industry is important for the Haitian people, providing economic stability throughout times of uncertainty and unrest.
As President Dwight D. Eisenhower once said: ``World trade helps to lay the groundwork for peace by making all free nations of the world stronger and more self-reliant.'' While times have changed somewhat since these words were spoken, the message still rings true.
As a key pillar of our economic engagement with Haiti, the HELP/HOPE program has supported industry growth while encouraging a more stable business environment. However, as with AGOA and other expired preference programs, Haiti HELP/HOPE should not be the extent of our engagement. Congress and the Trump administration must develop additional strategies to work with Haiti to create a more sustainable and self-reliant economy.
A more stable Haitian economy supports American companies that seek to do business there, creating a supply chain for those products as we diversify away from China.
Onshoring and nearshoring of critical industries cannot leave opportunities within our own hemisphere on the table. We have the opportunity today to reassert congressional commitment to fostering security and prosperity in Haiti, supporting businesses that are already operating in Haiti or looking to establish new supply chains.
Reauthorizing Haiti HOPE/HELP is the right thing to do. It is in our interest to support stability in Haiti, and I encourage my colleagues to join me in supporting this bill.
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