The American Apparel & Footwear Association applauded introduction of the Haiti Economic Lift Program (HELP) Act of 2010 in the U.S. House of Representatives by Ways and Means Committee Chairman Sander Levin (D-MI), Ranking Member Dave Camp (R-MI), and Congressman Charles Rangel (D-NY), and in the Senate by Finance Committee Chairman Max Baucus (D-MT) and Ranking Member Chuck Grassley (R-IA).
“Just about three and a half months ago, Haiti was rocked by a tragic earthquake,” said AAFA President and CEO Kevin M. Burke. “This proposed legislation is a positive step forward toward a long lasting economic recovery for the people of Haiti.”
“As the single largest sector of Haiti's economy, the apparel industry will play a leading role in Haiti's overall recovery,” said Burke. “By renewing soon-to-expire trade preference provisions and expanding existing programs, this bill works to ensure that all facets of the U.S. apparel and textile industry have the opportunity to participate in Haiti's short-term recovery and long-term growth.”
The HELP Act of 2010 renews until 2020 the Caribbean Basin Trade Partnership Act (CBTPA) and the Haitian Hemispheric Opportunity through Partnership Engagement Acts of 2006 (HOPE Act) and 2008 (HOPE II) that are currently set to expire September 30, 2010. The proposed legislation also would increase current tariff preference levels for certain knit and woven apparel products. While aiding Haiti through recovery, this bill works to create a predictable and certain environment for the U.S. apparel and textile industry.
“I applaud Congressman Levin, Congressman Camp, Congressman Rangel, Senator Baucus, and Senator Grassley for their leadership in getting this bill to the House floor,” said Burke. “AAFA urges Congress to swiftly approve this bill.”
American Apparel and Footwear Association
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