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Rubio Leads Bipartisan Measure To Extend Trade Program With Haiti

Mar 8, 2023 | Press Releases

In the aftermath of the devastating 2010 earthquake in Haiti, Congress passed the Haitian Economic Lift Program (HELP) Act to broaden the types of goods eligible for duty free status to over 5,000 types of apparel and footwear. The law, which helped rebuild some of Haiti’s domestic industry, is set to expire in 2025.

U.S. Senator Marco Rubio (R-FL) reintroduced the Haiti Economic Lift Program Extension (HELP) Act. The bipartisan legislation would extend trade benefits for apparel products produced in Haiti from 2025 to 2035. The products that are eligible for these benefits comprise 93 percent of Haitian exports and are a vital source of dignified employment for thousands of Haitians, who would otherwise turn to violent gangs for employment or seek to enter the United States illegally.

  • “It is in our national interest to help Haiti as it faces unimaginable hardships as a result of political corruption, natural disasters, and rampant crime. The HELP Act is an important bipartisan measure that will extend trade benefits and boost the country’s largest industry.” — Senator Rubio

Senator Raphael Warnock (D-GA), Bill Cassidy (R-LA), and Dick Durbin (D-IL) are cosponsors of the bill. 

  • “America is safer and better off when our neighbors are thriving. That’s why I was proud to lead this bipartisan effort to strengthen Haiti’s economic future and stability. This bill is a win-win for Georgians and the people of Haiti. It will promote a better future for us all and I look forward to working with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to get this over the finish line.”— Senator Warnock 

  • “Natural disasters and political unrest have devastated families in Haiti. Extending trade benefits is good for the U.S., provides the starving Haitian people with needed resources, and will help stem the exodus from the island.” — Senator Cassidy

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