Press Releases

WASHINGTON - Today, Representative Brad Wenstrup (R-OH) introduced the HELP Extension Act of 2022 to extend the HOPE (Haitian Hemispheric Opportunity through Partnership Encouragement)-HELP (Haiti Economic Lift Program) trade preferences for 10 years. HOPE-HELP works in conjunction with the broader trade preferences system known as the Caribbean Basin Initiative (CBI) to incentivize greater trade and cooperation with Haiti.

"Our friends and neighbors in Haiti are experiencing a horrific humanitarian crisis as a result of gang violence and political instability. By extending the Haitian Hemispheric Opportunity through Partnership Encouragement (HOPE) Act and the Haiti Economic Lift Program (HELP) Act, the United States can send an uplifting message of support to the Haitian people, and that is why I believe it is more important than ever that the U.S. be willing to provide a certain and steady hand as Haiti works to rebound from the current crisis and emerge stronger," said Rep. Wenstrup. "Not only will this legislation support Haiti, the HOPE-HELP preferences are important for the U.S. economy and will continue the work Congress is doing to near-shore our supply chains and diversify away from unreliable trading partners like China. I look forward to working with my colleagues on the Ways and Means Committee to build bipartisan support for renewing and building on this important trade program"

"For twenty years, Haiti has been an integral part of Cintas’ supply chain. The near shore production, short lead times, and workforces committed to quality of our valued Haitian vendors provides Cintas with great flexibility in meeting our customers’ needs. We are appreciative of Rep. Wenstrup’s support and leadership to help renew a program that is the founding pillar of U.S. trade rules with Haiti," said John Vu, Vice President, Global Supply Chain, Cintas Corporation.

"Thanks to Rep. Wenstrup for his leadership in introducing this important measure. This urgently needed legislation sends a key stabilizing message while supporting the long term US Haitian trade and investment partnership at a crucial juncture for our countries and the industry. We urge this legislation to be quickly approved and signed into law,” said Stephen Lamar, President and CEO of the American Apparel & Footwear Association.

Background:

• The HOPE Act, HOPE II, and the HELP Act collectively form a set of special trade preferences for Haiti known as the HOPE-HELP program.
• Currently, HOPE-HELP is authorized through 2025. However, the ongoing lapse in other U.S. trade programs like the Generalized System of Preferences and the Miscellaneous Tariff Bill has created uncertainty in the business community which is contributing to decreased investment in Haiti.
• Renewing these trade preferences well ahead of the 2025 extension will ensure there is no disruption in trade flows, and give businesses the confidence to move their supply chains to Haiti rather than continuing to rely on adversarial nations like China

###