On Monday, March 3rd, 2025, Republican Congressman Greg Murphy introduced the bipartisan HELP Extension Act, which would extend the Haitian Hemisphere Opportunity through Partnership Encouragement (HOPE) and Haitian Economic Lift Program (HELP) trade programs for Haiti for 10 years, strengthening supply chains close to the United States and promoting stability in the Caribbean.

Let's recall that the HOPE Act allows the United States to import duty-free a quota of clothing from Haiti https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-10134-haiti-economy-new-limit-for-apparel-exports-from-haiti.html and expires in September 2025

The bill comes after the Trump administration announced this weekend that it would eliminate more than 90% of foreign aid contracts and reduce funding by approximately $60 billion…

Murphy recalls that "The HOPE and HELP programs have been a source of mutual benefit for the United States and Haiti [...] Shifting our supply chains from China to neighboring countries provides stability to American consumers and businesses. In return, a strong trade relationship with Haiti provides this conflict-torn nation with much-needed economic opportunities, paving the way for possible peace and stability. I am proud to lead this bipartisan effort to expand these critical programs and our successful relationship."

Western Hemisphere Subcommittee Chairwoman Maria Elvira Salazar stressed the importance of continued economic support for Haiti. "It is critical that businesses remain in Haiti to support jobs, economic growth, and stability." "Supporting Haiti’s economic development is critical to U.S. strategy. Congress must act to ensure these initiatives continue," Salazar concluded.

SL/ HaitiLibre