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The House voted to pass the AGOA Extension Act (H.R. 6500), which extends a trade program allowing products from sub-Saharan African countries to enter the U.S. without import taxes. The measure passed with broad support from both parties.
This vote was about extending the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA), a trade program that helps countries in sub-Saharan Africa export goods to the United States. The bill extends the program until December 31, 2028, allowing eligible countries to continue sending products like clothing and agricultural goods to the U.S. without paying import taxes, also known as duties. This vote was held under a process called "suspension of the rules." This is a fast-track method used in the House of Representatives for bills that have significant support from both parties. Because it skips several regular debating steps, the rules require a higher bar for success: two-thirds of the members present must vote "yes" for the bill to pass, rather than a simple majority. The bill passed easily, receiving significantly more than the required two-thirds majority. The legislation now moves to the Senate for consideration. If signed into law, it will prevent a lapse in trade benefits that could otherwise lead to higher prices for U.S. importers and consumers, while providing economic stability for African trading partners.
The bill has been sent to the Senate, where it must be reviewed and voted upon before it can be sent to the President's desk.
OPEN BILL →Why it matters. AGOA is the primary framework for U.S. trade with Africa; allowing it to expire would have increased costs for American businesses and destabilized export industries in participating African nations.
Who’s affected. U.S. Importers: Benefit from continued exemption from import duties on billions of dollars worth of African goods. · African Manufacturers: Gain long-term certainty for their export businesses, particularly in the textile and apparel sectors. · American Consumers: May see more stable prices for certain imported products that would otherwise face new taxes.
Democrats. The Democratic caucus overwhelmingly supported the measure as a tool for international economic development.
Republicans. Most Republicans voted in favor, viewing the bill as a way to maintain stable supply chains and support U.S. businesses that import goods.
On Motion to Suspend the Rules and Pass, as Amended
Jan 12, 2026
The House voted to pass the AGOA Extension Act (H.R.
6500), which extends a trade program allowing products from sub-Saharan African countries to enter the U.S. without import taxes. The measure passed with broad support from both parties.
A motion to suspend the rules is a shortcut used to pass legislation quickly when there is broad agreement. To ensure the process isn't abused, it requires a supermajority of two-thirds of those voting to pass rather than the usual simple majority.
The bill has been sent to the Senate, where it must be reviewed and voted upon before it can be sent to the President's desk.
AGOA is the primary framework for U.S. trade with Africa; allowing it to expire would have increased costs for American businesses and destabilized export industries in participating African nations.
The vote was highly bipartisan, with a majority of both Democrats and Republicans supporting the trade extension.
The Democratic caucus overwhelmingly supported the measure as a tool for international economic development.
Most Republicans voted in favor, viewing the bill as a way to maintain stable supply chains and support U.S. businesses that import goods.
The single independent member present voted in favor of the bill.