Political Quotes

“Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 5160, the Haitian Economic Lift Program Act. This bill will provide real economic benefits to Haiti to help it recover from the devastating earthquake on January 12 that claimed so many lives and shattered the already struggling Haitian economy. The bill also provides trade benefits to Haiti and other Caribbean nations though a long-term extension of the Caribbean Basin Trade Partnership Act, a program that also supports the American textile industry. I am firm believer that expanded trade can produce sustainable economic development and create jobs. By providing increased duty-free access to the U.S. market, the bill creates the investment incentives desperately needed in Haiti to keep existing apparel production in the country and encourage even more development in the future. These investments will create badly needed jobs and encourage stability in local communities. The long-term extension of the Caribbean Basin Trade Partnership Act will continue important incentives that have attracted apparel producers to Haiti and throughout the region to use fabric and other inputs produced in the United States. The U.S. exports generated by these incentives will support American jobs. This is why the long-term extension of the Caribbean Basin Act has been such a priority for the U.S. textile industry. In addition to these important economic benefits, this legislation demonstrates America's commitment to the region.…”