Washington, DC – Representatives Gregory W. Meeks, Ranking Member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, and Gregory Murphy, M.D., today introduced the Strategy to Address Key Priorities Affecting Security and Empowerment in Haiti Act—the SAK PASE Act—bipartisan legislation which requires the State Department to develop and implement a comprehensive strategy to confront the deepening crisis in Haiti and support a Haitian-led path to stability.

“The level of human suffering in Haiti is completely unacceptable, and we need a comprehensive strategy to address it,” said Ranking Member Meeks. “Today’s legislation represents a bipartisan commitment in the House of Representatives to adopt a comprehensive strategy that will support the Haitian people during the ongoing dire humanitarian and security crisis. I thank Dr. Murphy, whose work in Haiti as a medical missionary speaks to his deep understanding and compassion, for partnering in this effort to support the Haitian people.” 

“Haitian and Caribbean security are in the interest of American security,” said Congressman Greg Murphy, M.D. “As a medical missionary, I spent a great deal of time in Haiti and understand first-hand the issues that are plaguing the country and the need for stability. I am proud to support the bipartisan Sak Pase Act with Ranking Member Meeks and look forward to exploring ways the U.S. can bring peace to Haiti.”

The SAK PASE Act would: 

• Require the Secretary of State to submit to Congress a comprehensive strategy to counter gang violence and advance stability in Haiti within 90 days of enactment; 
• Require the State Department to consult with key stakeholders in developing the comprehensive strategy, including Haitian civil society, international partners such as the EU, Canada, and CARICOM, as well as the United Nations and other international bodies; 
• And require the Secretary of State to submit to Congress a report describing progress made in implementing the strategy no later than 120 days after the submission of the strategy and annually thereafter for five years. 

A PDF copy of the legislation can be found here.