ICYMI: Rubio Outlines a Responsible Way for the U.S. to Help Haiti
Press Release
There's a more-responsible way for the U.S. to help the people of Haiti
U.S. Senator Marco Rubio (R-FL)
December 6, 2021
Miami Herald
South Florida is home to the largest Haitian community in the United States. Haiti's struggle is not something I just read about in congressional reports or in the newspaper. I hear about it directly from friends, neighbors and constituents in the supermarket
The good news is that there is growing bipartisan support in the U.S. Senate to take action.
The Haiti Development, Accountability, and Institutional Transparency Initiative Act (S. 1104), which I introduced with Sen. Ben Cardin, D-Maryland, requires the U.S. Department of State to prioritize the protection of human rights and anti-corruption efforts in Haiti by fostering strong relationships with independent civil-society groups and the private sector. It will also require the United States to identify and hold accountable people involved in human-rights violations and significant acts of corruption in Haiti
Since the committee's approval of this bill, it now heads to the full Senate where I am hopeful it will pass soon.
As the United States and the rest of the world seek to move supply chains away from China, nations such as Haiti stand to benefit. That is why Sen. Bill Cassidy, R-Louisiana and I introduced the extension of the Haitian Economic Lift Program (HELP) Act, which was created in response to the 2010 Haiti earthquake
HELP built on previous efforts to remove tariffs from exports of Haitian apparel to the United States. Now, 93% of Haitian exports to our country are duty free. Not only are these consumer goods not being made in China with slave labor, but the apparel factories in Haiti are also a critical source of stable economic employment in the country.
These trade benefits are due to expire in 2025, but the HELP Extension Act would extend the benefits through 2035 to provide economic certainty to the thousands of Haitians employed in the apparel industry
Our work is far from done, though, and I will continue to work with the Biden administration, my Senate colleagues and the Haitian community to implement policies that improve the quality of life of all Haitians.
Source