Senator Reverend Warnock led his colleagues in reintroducing the Haiti Economic Lift Program Extension (HELP) Act to extend trade benefits for Haiti

The bipartisan legislation extends the current HELP Act, which is set to expire this year, until 2035

Senator Reverend Warnock: “America is safer and better off when our neighbors are thriving. That’s why I am proud to lead this bipartisan effort to strengthen Haiti’s economic future and stability”

Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senators Reverend Raphael Warnock (D-GA), Bill Cassidy (R-LA), Dick Durbin (D-IL), and Rick Scott (R-FL) introduced the Haiti Economic Lift Program Extension (HELP) Act to extend trade benefits for apparel products produced in Haiti. Products that are eligible for these trade benefits comprise 93% of Haitian exports to the U.S. The HELP Act supports stable and safe jobs in Haiti and ensures a source of goods for the U.S. not tainted with state-sponsored forced labor. The legislation also extends the current HELP Act until 2035.

“America is safer and better off when our neighbors are thriving,” said Senator Reverend Warnock. “That’s why I was proud to lead this bipartisan effort to strengthen Haiti’s economic future and stability. This bill is a win-win for Georgians and the people of Haiti. It will promote a better future for us all and shows what is possible when we center the people in policymaking.”

“Over the years, Haitian families have been devasted by natural disasters and political unrest,” said Dr. Cassidy. “Extending trade benefits is good for the U.S. and the Haitian people who need resources and jobs.”

“Originally a lifeline to Haiti in the aftermath of the 2010 earthquake, the Haiti Economic Lift Program has helped the nation economically by stimulating trade between Haiti and the U.S.,” said Senator Durbin. “As Haiti continues to face economic hardship and political unrest, we should extend its provisions by passing the bipartisan HELP Extension Act.”

In the aftermath of the devastating 2010 earthquake in Haiti, Congress passed the HELP Act to broaden the types of goods eligible for duty free status to over 5,000 types of apparel and footwear. The law, which helped rebuild some of Haiti’s domestic industry, is set to expire in 2025.

Senator Warnock also led the introduction of the HELP Act of 2023.

The full text of the bill can be found HERE

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