"The Haitian Hemisphere Opportunity through Partnership Encouragement (HOPE) Act, introduced as a response to an economic downturn in Haiti in 2005, removes duties from Haitian apparel exports to the United States. The Haitian Economic Lift Program (HELP) Act, passed by Congress following the 2010 earthquake in Haiti, broadens the types of goods eligible for duty free status to over 5,000 types of apparel and footwear. Together, HOPE and HELP apply to roughly 93 percent of Haitian exports to the U.S. and employs more than 56,000 Haitians. Apparel factories in Haiti are a crucial source of stable economic employment in the country [...]" recalled the office of Republican Florida Senator Marco Rubio

Senator Rubio, presented to the United States Senate a bill to renew until 2035 the two federal programs (HOPE and HELP) which help Haiti and which expire in 2025. Note that the Democratic senators Raphael Warnock (Georgia), Dick Durbin (Illinois) and Republican Senator Bill Cassidy (Los Angeles) are co-sponsors of the bill. Draft that was sent to the US Senate Finance Committee.

The Senator gave his opinion on this proposal a week after having proposed it "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."

"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," said Warnock.

For his part Bill Cassidy declared "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."

HL/ HaitiLibre