The Honorable Charles B. Rangel, Chairman
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE


Contact: Matthew Beck or J. Jioni Palmer (202) 225-8933


March 20, 2007


Haiti to Receive Critical Trade Benefits


WASHINGTON, D.C. – As directed by the Haiti HOPE Act, President Bush today signed a proclamation authorizing Haiti to receive critical trade benefits.  Ways and Means Committee Chairman Charles B. Rangel, an author and longtime-supporter of the HOPE Act, issued the following statement thanking the Administration for its quick implementation:


“The HOPE Act will bring critical trade benefits to the impoverished nation of Haiti and strengthen ties between our nations.  I want to thank President Bush, Ambassador Schwab, Ranking Member McCrery and all of their staffs for working to get this legislation implemented quickly.  By welcoming Haiti into our trading circle, we are making an investment in their future that will only strengthen our opportunity and security in the Western Hemisphere.”


The Haiti HOPE Act passed Congress in December 2006 as part of a larger package of trade legislation.


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_____________________________________________


Matthew J. Beck


Communications Director


Ways and Means Committee


1102 Longworth HOB


Washington, D.C. 20515


http://waysandmeans.house.gov


(202) 225-3526 – Direct


(202) 225-5680 – Fax