New Dem Trade & Tariffs Task Force Chair Don Beyer Calls on House to Pass Reauthorization of AGOA and the Haiti Economic Lift Program Extension Act
Today, New Democrat Coalition Trade & Tariffs Task Force Chair Don Beyer (VA-08) issued the following statement ahead of House votes on the AGOA Extension Act and Haiti Economic Lift Program Extension Act:
“The expiration of the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) and Haiti trade preference programs last year injected uncertainty into our trading relationships with Haiti and countries in Sub-Saharan Africa. These programs incentivized private investment in these emerging markets, which helped grow their economies, strengthen their ties to the U.S., and lower prices here at home. The lapse in access put these gains in jeopardy, threatening to further destabilize the Haitian economy, accelerate the deterioration of U.S. influence in Africa, and weaken supply chains that we rely on. These bills will help put our policy back on the right track and restore some faith in the U.S. as a reliable trading partner.
“These programs have been critical to economic development, job creation, and innovation in beneficiary nations and the U.S. over the last two decades and serve as the primary framework that supports our trade and investment relationships in Haiti and Sub-Saharan Africa. New Dems urge all our colleagues to restore certainty to intercontinental trade, secure our supply chains, and build the foundation for the future.”
New Dems previously called on Congressional Leadership to prioritize AGOA reauthorization ahead of its expiration at the end of 2025.
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