Extension of the Caribbean Basin Economic Recovery Act

Floor Speech

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Ms. SEWELL of Alabama. Madam Speaker, I thank Chairman Blumenauer for yielding me the time.

I rise today in support of H.R. 991, my legislation to reauthorize the Caribbean Basin Trade Promotion Act.

Madam Speaker, I thank my Republican colleague, Brad Wenstrup, for his leadership on this bill. I also want to thank Chairman Neal and Ranking Member Brady for all of their help.

Madam Speaker, I especially want to acknowledge my chairman of the Subcommittee on Trade, Mr. Blumenauer, for hosting a very meaningful hearing on the Caribbean Basin Trade Promotion Agreement and its importance of being reauthorized by September 30 of this year.

For two decades, the Caribbean Basin Trade Promotion Agreement has been a critical tool to expand our diplomatic and economic relationship with countries throughout the Caribbean Basin region. This agreement has allowed for duty- and quota-free treatment of products made with U.S. goods.

The liberalization of our trade relationship with these countries has strengthened Western Hemisphere supply chains, while providing economic development and job creation in the region.

In 2018, United States exports to CBI countries totalled $13.4 billion, while imports totaled $6 billion, creating a $7.4 billion goods trade surplus for the United States.

One of those Caribbean Basin countries, Haiti, has had tremendous economic benefits by the Caribbean Basin Trade Promotion Act. The economic benefits of the CBTPA are essential, with over 90 percent of their nearly $1 billion in exports entering the United States with the CBTPA or HOPE duty-free treatment. Moreover, the Association of Haitian Industries has estimated that the CBTPA, along with the HOPE and HELP programs, has created over 50,000 jobs in Haiti, alone.

The reauthorization of this program ahead of the September 30 deadline will allow us to continue to strengthen the foundation for long-term economic stability, while contributing to our diplomatic and security interests.

Continued economic development in the region is a goal that we should all share, and the passage of this legislation will reaffirm the commitment of the United States to this objective.

The importance of our diplomatic and economic ties with the Caribbean Basin countries is highlighted by the strong support for this legislation that we receive from the Congressional Black Caucus.

In a letter of support for H.R. 991 to congressional leadership, the CBC aptly pointed out: Millions of Americans have Caribbean ancestry and make up important segments of the United States population. Haiti is the first Black republic, influencing the rise of abolitionist and anticolonial movements all across the world, especially in the United States.

The history and the future for millions of Americans is directly tied to the economic prosperity of Caribbean Basin countries, and our relationship must reflect this reality.

Within this context, we also must continue to push our trading partners for compliance with key eligibility criteria under the agreement, including upholding the rights of workers and combating corruption. A lapse in this agreement would jeopardize the economic and social well-being of workers in the region.

Today's step forward to reauthorize this very important trade promotion program will allow for continued cooperation and enforcement on these critical issues. I look forward to remaining engaged with all of the stakeholders to support these goals, including expanding human rights and economic prosperity for all.

Madam Speaker, I want to thank the Ambassador of Haiti, Ambassador Denis, who testified before the subcommittee, for his eloquence on the importance of the Caribbean Basin Trade Promotion Agreement for Haiti, in particular.

Madam Speaker, I also want to thank all of the representatives from the eight Caribbean Basin countries that have come to my office and talked to us ad nauseam about how important it is that we extend the Caribbean Basin reauthorization.

As well, Madam Speaker, I would like to also thank Charlie Rangel, who was the member of the House Ways and Means Committee who really championed this initially, two decades ago. When I took Charlie's position on the Ways and Means Committee, he sat me down and told me how important it was that we not only reauthorize, but we strengthen the Caribbean Basin Trade Promotion Agreement.

So this is an important step in reauthorizing this very important trade agreement before its September 30 deadline.

Madam Speaker, I again want to say how proud I am that this agreement has huge bipartisan support. The reauthorization of this program would not be possible if it had not been for the bipartisan support that my colleague from Ohio, Congressman Wenstrup, has so ably provided, a partnership in this agreement.

While debate over U.S. trade policy is often rigorous, the reauthorization of the Caribbean Basin Trade Promotion Agreement should be something that we can all support.

Madam Speaker, I am proud that this important issue is before us for a vote, and I urge all of my colleagues to vote in favor of this very important legislation.

Again, Madam Speaker, I want to thank Chairman Blumenauer for allowing me to speak on this very important measure.

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