Washington, DC -- Representative Gregory W. Meeks (D-N.Y.), Ranking Member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, issued the following statement on the reauthorization of the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) and the Hemispheric Opportunity Through Partnership Encouragement and Haiti Economic Lift Program (HOPE/HELP) initiatives through the end of 2028, signed into law under the Continuing Appropriations and Extensions Act, 2027.

“I welcome Congress’s decision to extend AGOA, an important program that offers economic and commercial benefits to the United States and supports inclusive and sustainable growth in Africa. This initiative creates high-paying jobs on both sides of the Atlantic and helps lower the price of everyday goods like coffee, clothing, and petroleum. This is a win-win partnership for both the people of Africa and the United States.

“The reauthorization of Haiti HOPE/HELP could not come at a more critical time. Haiti continues to face urgent economic, security, and humanitarian needs that threaten stability in our own hemisphere. This reauthorization delivers certainty to Haitian and U.S. businesses, helping expand economic opportunities and create jobs to reduce Haitians’ vulnerability to gang coercion and recruitment. I am proud to stand with my colleagues in prioritizing Haiti as a key regional partner and safeguarding our commitment to our neighbors.” 

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