Political Quotes

“Mr. Speaker, we have had some tremendously wonderful discussions during this debate period over this legislation. Without reauthorization, companies will increasingly shift their production away from Haiti unless it is clear that HOPE/HELP will continue. We can't have that. I am so grateful that we have bipartisan support of Members who are interested in that. From all over our country--North Carolina, New York, Wisconsin--Members routinely understand our relationship with Haiti, one of our near neighbors. There was discussion about Charlie Rangel, who was the former chair of Ways and Means, and was indeed in some ways the author of this legislation conceiving of it, representing Harlem, the Lion of Lenox Avenue. He was also a veteran of the Korean war, and he would remind us that Haitian soldiers--we are in our anniversary now in this year of 2025 of our independence, our Declaration of Independence--fought with us under the Siege of Savannah in 1779, willing to fight for our freedom, willing to support us in our battle to become the great Nation that we became. It is now our imperative to help them, as well. It is my hope that this short-term, 3-year extension will preserve production and jobs in Haiti while providing a runway for Congress to further strengthen this program.”