On the recordMay 5, 2010
On January 12, 2010, Haiti experienced one of the worst earthquakes in their history. I believe that our trade policy can play a key role in rehabilitating the Haitian economy. As such, I rise in support of my friend Congressman Charles Rangel's timely legislation, The Haiti Economic Lift Program, HELP, Act of 2010, which will extend trade preference programs, expand market access for Haitian goods, and ensure fundamental worker labor rights for Haitian workers. Expanding trade with Haiti is an important step in creating economic stability and sustainability. The HELP Act will enhance and strengthen our trading relationship, where 78.2 percent of Haitian exports are directed to the United States, by extending trade preference programs such as the Caribbean Basin Trade Partnership Act and the Haitian Hemispheric Opportunity through Partnership Encouragement Act through September 30, 2020. Both laws are credited with increasing Haitian apparel exports to the United States from $420 million to over $512 million and creating impressive economic growth from 2007 to 2009. It is imperative we help foster burgeoning industries within Haiti that will ultimately attract investment and provide jobs during and after their reconstruction efforts.
