Press Releases

Washington, D.C. - Today, the House unanimously passed H.R. 991, the Extension of the Caribbean Basin Economic Recovery Act. Representatives Brad Wenstrup (R-OH) and Terri Sewell (D-AL) sponsored the legislation, which extends the Caribbean Basin Trade Partnership Act through 2030. Congressman Wenstrup delivered the following remarks shortly before the passage.

Congressman Wenstrup speaks on House floor about the Caribbean Basin Economic Recovery Act Extension. Click here to watch full remarks.

Delivered remarks:

"I rise today in support of H.R. 991, which extends the Caribbean Basin Trade Partnership Act through 2030. This legislation enjoys wide bipartisan support, and I want to thank Congresswoman Terri Sewell for partnering with me to get this done. I’d also like to thank Ranking Member Brady and Chairman Neal for their cooperation and support of the legislation as well.

"As a member of the House Ways & Means Committee, I’m proud to support our nation’s trade preference programs, which bolster further economic expansion in truly developing nations and support jobs here in America – a true win-win scenario.

"In particular, the Caribbean Basin Trade Partnership Act – or CBTPA – accomplishes that goal in the Caribbean, providing trade benefits to eight Caribbean nations, most notably Haiti.

"Furthermore, the program also benefits American businesses and workers, a number of whom have created strong, reliable partnerships with suppliers in the Caribbean.

"This partnership helps to add value for customers and supports American jobs.

"Also of note, the program requires the use of U.S. yarn, which boosts jobs in our cotton and textile industries.

"In my district, Cintas, which is headquartered in Cincinnati, utilizes a strong partnership with Haitian suppliers as part of their North American supply chain.

"Finally, as we step back and look at the bigger picture, the CBTPA helps American stewardship of the western hemisphere, where we want to support budding democracies on our doorstep and create mutually beneficial economic stability with our neighbors.

"Our overall trade agenda is well-served by agreements, like the recently-passed USMCA, as well as these important trade preference programs, like the CBTPA.

"Again, I want to thank Congresswoman Sewell for her partnership on this issue as well as Ranking Member Brady and Chairman Neal for their support.

"This is good, sound policy which stands to benefit both Americans and our friendly neighbors in the Caribbean.

"I urge my colleagues to support its passage, and I yield back."