CONGRESSWOMAN PLASKETT STATEMENT ON WAYS AND MEANS COMMITTEE UNANIMOUS APPROVAL TO ADVANCE REAUTHORIZATION OF HOPE/HELP TRADE PREFERENCE PROGRAM FOR HAITI

For Immediate Release Contact: Alayah Phipps

December 11, 2025 202-813-2793

PRESS RELEASE

CONGRESSWOMAN PLASKETT STATEMENT ON WAYS AND MEANS COMMITTEE UNANIMOUS APPROVAL TO ADVANCE REAUTHORIZATION OF HOPE/HELP TRADE PREFERENCE PROGRAM FOR HAITI

Washington, D.C.- Congresswoman Stacey E. Plaskett released the following statement after the House Committee on Ways and Means unanimously approved the reauthorization of the Haitian Hemispheric Opportunity through Partnership Encouragement Act (HOPE Act) and the Haiti Economic Lift Program Act (HELP Act) which will now advance to the House Floor for a vote:

"Today marks a significant victory for Haiti and for smart, strategic U.S. engagement in the Caribbean. The unanimous, bipartisan vote to advance the reauthorization of HOPE/HELP demonstrates that when it comes to supporting our neighbors and advancing our shared interests, Democrats and Republicans can still come together to do what's right.

"It was particularly meaningful to have Mr. Jean Bernard Henry, Counselor at the Embassy of Haiti, join us for today's markup. His presence and gratitude remind us that this work has real consequences for real people-Haitian workers, families, and communities who depend on the economic opportunities these programs create. I am proud to lead the charge for HOPE/HELP's reauthorization because this is the kind of work that matters: supporting our Caribbean neighbors and fostering prosperity throughout the region" said Congresswoman Plaskett.

Haiti is experiencing a humanitarian, political, and economic crisis and needs both economic and political stability. The dire circumstances in Haiti require immediate action. The apparel sector is of incredible importance to Haiti's economy and presently is the foundation for the country's economic development. Given the cascading job losses and extreme security crisis that have displaced over 1.4 million Haitians and left half the country's population experiencing life-threatening hunger, Haiti cannot afford delays in reauthorizing this vital program.

The HOPE/HELP reauthorization extends the period during which imports of certain Haitian-manufactured textile and apparel, and other goods produced in Haiti are eligible for duty-free treatment, providing the long-term certainty that Haitian producers and workers need to build stronger, more resilient futures.

"HOPE/HELP is a trade preference program that boosts development for our allies with strong bipartisan support, and no domestic opposition," Congresswoman Plaskett continued. "Haiti is an ally, one of the few countries in the Hemisphere that still recognizes Taiwan, and U.S. support for Haiti's apparel sector is mutually beneficial. Haitian apparel utilizes U.S. cotton and plays an essential role in shifting supply chains out of China and to the Western Hemisphere.

"I continue to emphasize the great importance of U.S. trade engagement in the Caribbean region. The United States has a responsibility to support its Caribbean neighbors. This legislation creates the foundation for stronger bilateral economic ties, greater certainty for investors that these benefits will be there for Haiti over the long term, and the economic security that is needed for Haiti to rebuild from the ground up and emerge more prosperous and resilient.

"Today's committee vote is an important first step, but our work is not done. I urge my colleagues in the full House and Senate to act swiftly to ensure this critical program continues without interruption. Haiti's workers and families are counting on us."

The legislation now moves to the full House of Representatives for consideration. If passed by the House and Senate, it will proceed to the President's desk to be signed into law.

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