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The House passed H.R. 6504, which extends the Haiti Economic Lift Program (HELP) through 2028 to maintain duty-free access for Haitian exports to the United States.
This bill, known as the Haiti Economic Lift Program (HELP) Extension Act, extends a specialized trade program that allows products manufactured in Haiti to enter the United States without import taxes, known as tariffs. The program is particularly focused on the apparel industry, requiring that a significant portion of a garment's value be created in Haiti to qualify for these benefits. It also includes a provision to refund tariffs paid by businesses during recent periods when the program had expired. The House voted on this measure using a procedure called 'suspension of the rules.' This is a fast-track method used for bills that have broad support and are generally not considered controversial. Because it skips the usual debate process and prevents any changes to the bill on the floor, it requires a higher 'supermajority' threshold of two-thirds of the members present to pass. The measure passed with a wide bipartisan majority, receiving 345 votes in favor. The bill now moves to the Senate for consideration. If approved there and signed by the President, it will provide economic stability for Haiti’s export economy and certainty for American retailers who source products from the region.
The bill has been received in the Senate and referred to the Committee on Finance for further review.
OPEN BILL →Why it matters. This bill provides economic stability for Haiti by maintaining its competitive access to the U.S. market, which is vital for the country's manufacturing sector and employment.
Who’s affected. Haitian manufacturers: Continued duty-free access to the U.S. market, supporting local jobs and industry. · U.S. importers and retailers: Avoidance of tariffs on Haitian goods and eligibility for refunds on recently paid duties. · U.S. consumers: Potentially lower prices on apparel and other goods imported from Haiti due to the lack of tariffs.
Democrats. The Democratic caucus was nearly unanimous in support, with 96 members voting in favor.
Republicans. A majority of Republicans supported the measure, though a small group of 17 members voted against it.
On Motion to Suspend the Rules and Pass, as Amended
Jan 12, 2026
The House passed H.R.
6504, which extends the Haiti Economic Lift Program (HELP) through 2028 to maintain duty-free access for Haitian exports to the United States.
This vote was conducted under 'suspension of the rules,' a procedure used to quickly pass legislation with broad support. It limits debate and prohibits amendments but requires a two-thirds supermajority for passage.
The bill has been received in the Senate and referred to the Committee on Finance for further review.
This bill provides economic stability for Haiti by maintaining its competitive access to the U.S. market, which is vital for the country's manufacturing sector and employment.
The bill saw strong bipartisan support, with nearly all voting Democrats and a significant majority of Republicans in favor.
The Democratic caucus was nearly unanimous in support, with 96 members voting in favor.
A majority of Republicans supported the measure, though a small group of 17 members voted against it.
One independent member voted in favor of the bill.