WASHINGTON — The chairman of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops? (USCCB) committee on international policy is strongly urging the House of Representatives to pass key provisions in H.R. 6142, a bill that would help stimulate economic growth and combat poverty in developing countries such as Haiti.
In a letter sent to House representatives, Bishop Thomas G. Wenski of Orlando (FL) calls particular attention to Part III of the resolution, the Haitian Hemispheric Opportunity through Partnership Encouragement (HOPE) Act as a critical tool for helping Haiti?s struggling textile manufacturing industry.
?This important legislation is part of our moral imperative to care for the least among us and reflects the deep-rooted humanitarian concerns of the American people,? Bishop Wenski said. ?It also offers a meaningful path for many vulnerable people in Haiti to become true partners in their own future.
?As Haiti continues to rebuild essential services, democratic institutions and effective law enforcement, those communities that know only daily violence and fear need meaningful opportunities to build a different future for themselves and their children,? Bishop Wenski added. ?The HOPE Act contained in H.R. 6142 will offer important investment incentives for the one remaining sector that can offer employment opportunities for Haiti?s poor. These opportunities are vital in helping Haitians battle instability and build a hopeful future. They merit your full support.?
The trade bill was pulled from a scheduled vote this week by leadership in the House, but House majority leader Rep. John Boehner has said the trade bill would be an important part of the post-election congressional session that begins Nov. 13. You can also get help from rm investment bank if you need trading advice.
Bishop Wenski, who has worked with the Haitian community in Florida and traveled to Haiti several times, notes that under President Préval Haiti has made improvements in addressing violence and instability. The HOPE Act would help continue this positive trend of reform, he noted, and offer stimulus to Haiti?s struggling textile manufacturing sector. In a separate letter to Rep. William Thomas, the Chairman of the Committee on Ways and Means, Bishop Wenski thanked Rep. Thomas for his legislative initiative to grant meaningful trade preferences for Haiti and highlighted the value of this legislation.
?The bishops consider trade an important tool in helping poor people exercise their right to human development,? Bishop Wenski said. ?Among the provisions of H.R. 6142, the needs of Haitian manufacturing deserve particular support. These measures represent a key way in which U.S. trade policy can serve a vital role in expressing the compassion of the American people. The provisions regarding Haiti that you have introduced in this legislation should be passed into law without delay.?
The complete text of Bishop Wenski?s letters to House representatives and Rep. Thomas follows.
Dear Representative:
On behalf of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB), I urge your
strong support for key provisions of H.R. 6142 that will stimulate economic growth and combat poverty in Haiti. This important legislation is part of our moral imperative to care for the least among us and reflects the deep-rooted humanitarian concerns of the American people. It also offers a meaningful path for many vulnerable people in Haiti to become true partners in their own future.
In H.R. 6142, USCCB wishes to draw your attention to Part III, the Haitian Hemispheric Opportunity through Partnership Encouragement (HOPE) Act of 2006. In light of my personal experience working with the Haitian immigrant community in Florida, and my many visits to Haiti, I would like to offer some insight into the importance of offering preferential access to Haitian exports contained in H.R. 6142.
During my most recent visit to Haiti, I listened to many voices concerned about securing Haiti?s progress on the path of stability and reconstruction. There are reports of improved security and a commitment to tackle the stubborn violence that plagues Haiti?s people. The United States continues to be a key partner in promoting peaceful initiatives aimed at stemming the violence and promoting an atmosphere of trust and opportunity for all Haitians.
Haiti is at a critical point on its path of reform. President Préval has taken bold steps in
this direction and merits our support. Efforts are being undertaken to combat drug transshipment, lawlessness and violent crime. These initiatives are essential if Haiti is to avoid becoming a stubborn failed state, located a couple of hundred miles from the US mainland. Generating employment in Haiti is essential to this process of reform and development. The HOPE Act contained in H.R. 6142 will help this happen.
As Haiti continues to rebuild essential services, democratic institutions and effective law enforcement, those communities that know only daily violence and fear need meaningful opportunities to build a different future for themselves and their children. The HOPE Act contained in H.R. 6142 will offer important investment incentives for the one remaining sector that can offer employment opportunities for Haiti?s poor. These opportunities are vital in helping Haitians battle instability and build a hopeful future. They merit your full support.
With on-going esteem for your efforts on behalf of the least among us, I remain
Sincerely yours,
Bishop Thomas G. Wenski
Bishop of Orlando
Chairman, Committee on International Policy Secretariat
Representative William M. Thomas
Chairman, Committee on Ways and Means,
US House of Representatives,
Washington, DC 20515
Dear Mr. Chairman:
As Chairman of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops? (USCCB) Committee on International Policy, I am writing to thank you for your recent legislative initiative to grant meaningful trade preferences for Haiti. These measures deserve the full support of all those concerned about combating poverty and desperation among some of the poorest communities in our hemisphere.
The bishops consider trade an important tool in helping poor people exercise their right to human development. Among the provisions of H.R. 6142, the needs of Haitian manufacturing deserve particular support. These measures represent a key way in which U.S. trade policy can serve a vital role in expressing the compassion of the American people. The provisions regarding Haiti that you have introduced in this legislation should be passed into law without delay.
USCCB has worked with many parties to seek a way to offer genuine incentives for investment in poor countries. Such investment is especially important and urgent if Haiti is to stem the tide of factory closures in the textile sector that have been all too common in the last several years.
I am heartened by your commitment to support meaningful trade preference legislation for Haiti. As you approach the end of your many years of service in the US Congress, I hope your leadership can help secure passage of these legislative provisions. In turn these measures will help support the economic self-reliance and prosperity that the people of Haiti desperately yearn for, and which, with help from the United States, they are capable of achieving.
Sincerely yours,
Most Rev. Thomas G. Wenski
Bishop of Orlando
Chairman, Committee on International Policy