Key Vote Letter on H.R. 6500, the 'African Growth and Opportunity Act Extension Act,' and H.R. 6504, the 'Haiti Economic Lift Program Extension Act'

To the Members of the U.S. House of Representatives:

The Chamber strongly urges Congress to approve the African Growth and Opportunity Act Extension Act (H.R. 6500) and the Haiti Economic Lift Program Extension Act (H.R. 6504), which are expected to come up for a vote shortly. We applaud the House Ways and Means Committee for advancing legislation on a broad, bipartisan basis providing a three-year, retroactive reauthorization of these programs, which expired in September. Swift action will strengthen mutually beneficial trade ties, fortify America's geopolitical relationships, and benefit American job creators.

Absent congressional action, an extended lapse of these programs will undermine the administration's broader export objectives, as the programs facilitate U.S. manufacturers' access to critical inputs that are often used to produce more complex, high-value products. A further lapse also risks creating a void that foreign adversaries will rush to fill, diminishing America's commercial and diplomatic influence in Africa in particular. As stated by the committee, these bills would "not impact the Trump Administration's tariff program-only the statutory tariff schedule that is set by Congress."

African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA)

For a quarter century, AGOA has been the cornerstone of U.S.-Africa commerce and an effective tool for promoting market-based economic growth. Thousands of companies across the United States benefit from their commercial partnerships under the program. It provides duty-free access to the U.S. market for a carefully selected range of products from sub-Saharan African countries that meet the program's eligibility requirements. Its benefits are thus limited to countries that have established or are making progress toward a market-based economy; the rule of law; elimination of barriers to U.S. trade and investment; protection of intellectual property and property rights generally; combating corruption; and support for internationally recognized human rights. AGOA supports U.S. interests and values across the African continent.

AGOA's expiry creates increasing uncertainty for U.S. companies and investors and raises questions across Africa about the reliability of American businesses as partners. AGOA's reauthorization will help assuage those concerns and incentivize investment decisions to deconcentrate and diversify supply chains away from China.

Haiti Economic Lift Program Extension Act (HELP)

As noted by the committee, U.S. companies rely on HELP to source apparel from Haiti, which utilizes supply chains rooted in the United States. Accordingly, apparel sourced from Haiti contains significant amounts of U.S. content. Renewal of this program thus supports nearshoring goals.

Haiti continues to undergo political, economic, and security crises. Access to the U.S. market under the trade preferences established by the HELP program continues to be a lifeline for the country. These programs have contributed to the development of Haiti's apparel industry, which provides a significant source of employment and economic opportunity.

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In the past, Congress has renewed these preference programs with broad bipartisan support, and we remain optimistic this Congress will follow suit. The Chamber stands ready to work with you to reauthorize these and other essential trade programs as soon as possible.

Sincerely,

John Murphy
Senior Vice President and
Head of International
U.S. Chamber of Commerce